Question

The compound that will react most readily with gaseous bromine has the formula

• A. ${ C3H6}$
• B. ${ C2H2 }$
• C. ${C4H_{10 } }$
• D. ${ C2H4}$

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To determine which compound reacts most readily with gaseous bromine, we need to look at the type of chemical bonds present in the compounds provided. Bromine tends to react easily with compounds that have double or triple bonds because these bonds can readily undergo addition reactions. Let's analyze each option:

1. {C3H6}: This compound is propene, which contains a double bond. Alkene compounds like propene react readily with bromine because the double bond can open up to accommodate the bromine atoms, forming a dibromo compound.
2. {C2H2}: This is acetylene, also known as ethyne, and contains a triple bond. Although triple bonds can react with bromine, they are less reactive than double bonds in this context since they can lead to more complex reactions.
3. {C4H_{10}}: This compound is butane, which is a saturated hydrocarbon (alkane) with only single bonds. Alkanes are the least reactive towards bromine under normal conditions as they lack the reactive double or triple bonds.
4. {C2H4}: This is ethylene, which also contains a double bond. Like propene, ethylene reacts readily with bromine due to the presence of the double bond.

Among the given compounds, both {C3H6} (propene) and {C2H4} (ethylene) have double bonds, making them reactive towards bromine. However, propene ({C3H6}) is often considered slightly more reactive under common conditions due to steric and structural factors compared to simpler alkenes like ethylene.

Therefore, the compound that will react most readily with gaseous bromine is {C3H6}.