noun
alkyne
AL-kine
Alkyne (noun) means a hydrocarbon that contains at least one triple bond between two carbon atoms. Example: “Ethyne is the simplest alkyne.”
noun
1
chemistry A hydrocarbon that contains at least one triple bond between two carbon atoms.
"Ethyne is the simplest alkyne."
"Each alkyne has a carbon-carbon triple bond in its structure."
"The students drew the structure of an alkyne on the board."
How to use alkyne
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA type of hydrocarbon with a carbon-carbon triple bond.
When to use it
It is a technical term used in organic chemistry.
Memory tip
The ending -yne signals a triple bond, in the same way that -ene and -ane signal other bond types.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
alkene
alkane →
Common pairings
terminal alkyne
an alkyne group
alkynes and alkenes
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Ethyne is the simplest _____.
Etymology
The word was formed from alkyl plus the ending -yne.
Rhymes for alkyne
See all rhymes for alkyne →Frequently asked questions
What is an alkyne?
An alkyne is a hydrocarbon with at least one carbon-carbon triple bond.
How do you pronounce alkyne?
It is pronounced AL-kine, rhyming with line.
What is the plural of alkyne?
The plural is alkynes.
What is the meaning of alkyne?
"alkyne" (noun) means a hydrocarbon that contains at least one triple bond between two carbon atoms.
