Answer to Question #154768 in Organic Chemistry for gujknih

Question

CHCH + Na

Answer 1

Hydrogen atoms in ethyne (HC≡CH) are attached to the sp hybridised carbon atoms which is more electronegative. Thus, hydrogen atom can be liberated as proton easily with sodium bonding to the proton's former location to form sodium acetylide. This reaction is aided by ammonia for an efficient process

$2 CHCH_{(g)} + 2 Na_{(s)} \to 2 HCCNa_{(g)} + H_{2(g)}$