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Seethalakshmi sambasivam Asked a Question
December 20, 2020 6:58 ampts 30 pts
  • IIT JAM
  • Chemistry (CY)

Why does tollens reagent reacts only with terminal alkynes ??

why does tollens reagent reacts only with terminal alkynes ??
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  • Suman Kumar thankyou
    Terminal alkyne have hydrogen which is acidic. But in case of non terminal alkyne it doesn't have acidic proton. Tollens reagent reacts with this acidic proton
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  • Seethalakshmi sambasivam
    but why can't it react with non terminal alkynes
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    Priyanshu kumar
    There is significant difference in terminal and non terminal alkynes. Unlike terminal alkynes, no hydrogen is present in non terminal alkynes so it doesnt react.
  • Priyanshu kumar Best Answer
    With terminal alkynes, the alkyne reacts as a acid to form a silver acetylide which precipitates. In the case of acetylene, both hydrogens can react.
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    Priyanshu kumar
    Tollen's reagent is also used to test for the terminal alkynes.