1.1.2.4 Acetylene or Alkyne Series Formula: CnH2n-2
This series is of basic importance only in certain refining and petrochemical applications. Acetylene is the most important member of this series. It has the formula C2H2. The structural formula for acetylene is:
H - C--- C - H
There is a triple bond between the carbon atoms. This satisfies the valence requirements but the carbon linkage is very weak.Acetylene is even more reactive than the olefins. Carbon likes the sharing of three valence linkages even less than sharing two. Acetylene not only is unsaturated, it is almost unstable chemically. In the liquid state it is explosive if subjected to a sudden shock.