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MDCAT Chemistry QUESTION #4362
Question 1
Terminal alkynes show acidic character due to:
  • Terminal carbon atoms are $sp$ hybridized✔️
  • Terminal carbon atoms are $sp^2$ hybridized
  • Terminal carbon atoms are $sp^3$ hybridized
  • Terminal carbon atoms show hydrogen bonding
Correct Answer Explanation
In terminal alkynes ($R-C\equiv CH$), the terminal carbon is $sp$ hybridized (50% s-character). Higher s-character means the bonding electrons are held closer to the nucleus, making the $C-H$ bond more polar and the hydrogen more acidic ($pK_a \approx 25$).