Methods of Preparation of Alkynes

Acetylene itself is formed from the reaction of the inorganic compound calcium carbide with water. 

CaC₂ + 2 H₂O → Ca(OH)₂ + HC≡CH

This method was once an important industrial process for the manufacture of acetylene. However, the method has now been replaced by a process in which methane is pyrolyzed in a flow system with short contact time.

This reaction is endothermic at ordinary temperatures, but is thermodynamically favored at high temperatures.

• Laboratory Methods of Preparation of Alkynes:

1.   Dehydrohalogenation of vic-Dihalides or gem-Dihalides

2.   Dehalogenation of vic-Tetrahalogen Compounds

This reaction has the drawback that the halogen compound is itself prepared by halogen addition to alkynes.

3.   Alkyl Substitution in Acetylene; Acidity of  

There is a fair amount of variety possible using this method. Acetylene itself may be alkylated either once to make a terminal alkyne or twice to make an internal alkyne. 

Since acetylide ions are highly basic, competing elimination is a common side reaction.

The products of such an elimination reaction are an alkene (from the alkyl halide) and an alkyne.

In practice, the alkylation of acetylene or another terminal alkyne is only a good method for the synthesis of alkynes when applied to primary halides that do not have branches close to the reaction centre. With secondary halides, and even with primary halides that have branches close to the reaction center, elimination is usually the major reaction.

Refer to the following video for synthesis of alkynes:

• Industrial Method for preparation of alkynes: 

old method :              2C + H₂ C₂H₂  (Bertholots reaction)

 Modern method :        6CH₄ + O₂  2CH≡CH + 2CO + 10H₂

 or                            2CH4   CH≡CH + 3H2

Preparation of higher alkynes : Higher alkynes may be obtained b acetylene.

a) CH≡CH + Na     CH≡CNa +  1/2H₂

CH≡CNa + RX → CH≡CR + NaX

                                            RX
b) CH≡CH + RMgX → XMg-C≡CH → R-C≡CH + MgX₂

• Some Other General  Methods of Preparation  of Alkynes:  

1. By Haloform : Only for acetylene

 CHX₃ + 6Ag + X₃HC  CH≡CH + 6AgX

                                                 ^Powder

2. By Kolbe's electrolytic method :

   

Refer the below mentioned links to get an immediate solution to all queries on Organic chemistry:

JEE Organic Chemistry Syllabus

Organic Chemistry Revision Notes

Reference books of Organic Chemistry