Verified Solution • 2025–26 Session moderate

QJEEM24Chf978: JEE Main 2024 Chemistry - Class 11 JEEM24Chf978 Solution: The incorrect statement regarding ethyne is

The incorrect statement regarding ethyne is

Multiple Choice Options

  • A The carbon - carbon bonds in ethyne is weaker than that in ethene
  • B Both carbons are sp hybridised
  • C The C−C\mathrm{C}-\mathrm{C} bonds in ethyne is shorter than that in ethene
  • D Ethyne is linear

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

To evaluate which statement regarding ethyne is incorrect, it's necessary to review the characteristics of the chemical bonds in ethyne (acetylene, C2H2\mathrm{C_2H_2} ) compared to ethene (ethylene, C2H4\mathrm{C_2H_4} ).

Option A: The statement that the carbon-carbon bonds in ethyne are weaker than that in ethene is incorrect. In ethyne, the carbon-carbon triple bond is composed of one sigma ( σ\sigma ) bond and two pi ( π\pi ) bonds. This configuration makes the triple bond in ethyne much stronger and shorter compared to the double bond in ethene, which consists of one σ\sigma bond and one π\pi bond. Thus, the carbon-carbon bond in ethyne is actually stronger than that in ethene.

Option B: The statement that both carbons are sp hybridised in ethyne is correct. In ethyne, each carbon atom is bonded to the other carbon atom and a single hydrogen atom, necessitating the sp hybridisation to form a linear molecule with 180∘180^\circ angles between the bonds.

Option C: The statement that the C−C\mathrm{C-C} bonds in ethyne are shorter than that in ethene is correct. The presence of a triple bond between the carbon atoms in ethyne results in a shorter bond length compared to the double-bonded carbons in ethene. This is because the additional pi bonds in a triple bond pull the carbon atoms closer together.

Option D: The statement that ethyne is linear is correct. Due to the sp hybridisation of carbon atoms in ethyne, the molecule adopts a linear geometry with bond angles of 180∘180^\circ .

Therefore, the incorrect statement regarding ethyne is Option A: The carbon-carbon bonds in ethyne are weaker than that in ethene.

Related Learning Resources & Exam Preparation