Vinylacetylene

Vinylacetylene, also known as ethenylacetylene or 1-buten-3-yne, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C4H4. It is a colorless gas at room temperature and pressure. Vinylacetylene is a conjugated diyne, meaning it contains two triple bonds separated by a single bond. It is a derivative of acetylene where one hydrogen atom is replaced by a vinyl group.

This compound is produced commercially through the dimerization of acetylene, a process often catalyzed by copper(I) chloride. This reaction is a key step in the industrial production of chloroprene, the monomer used to make neoprene rubber. Vinylacetylene itself can be further reacted, for instance, to produce butadiene.

Due to its unsaturated nature and the presence of multiple reactive bonds, vinylacetylene is a flammable substance. It can polymerize explosively under certain conditions, particularly in the presence of oxygen or heat. Its handling requires caution, and it is typically stored and transported under controlled conditions. While its primary industrial significance lies as an intermediate in chemical synthesis, it has also been studied for its potential in various organic reactions and as a building block for more complex molecules.