0 an unsaturated compound of hydrogen and carbon (= one that does not contain the greatest possible number of hydrogen atoms) that has at least one triple bond, for example acetylene
All reactions proceed via an initial addition of the radical to alkenes, alkynes and aromatic species.
Alternatively, acetylene may yield amino acids directly via a conversion of an alkyne to the corresponding aldehyde, which then forms an alpha amino nitrile and eventually an amino acid.
Additionally, this compound can by produced through the hydration of an alkyne through mecuric sulfate catalysis.
Using a protected alkyne, as opposed to acetylene gas, prevents further (undesired) coupling reactions and also has the benefit of being a liquid.
The four main categories are (1) nucleophilic attack on an alkene alkyne, or allyl ligand and (2) insertion of the alkene into the metal-amide bond.
Usually, the substrate is an alkene or an alkyne.
The reaction shown below involves an alkyne oxymercuration reaction to generate the requisite ketone.
In the first step of this reaction, a metal acetylide is formed by reaction of the terminal alkyne with the copper salt.
