Select the best explanation for why methanol, CH₃OH, cannot be used as a solvent for the deprotonation of a terminal alkyne by sodium amide, NaNH₂. A) Sodium amide is not a strong enough base to deprotonate the alkyne. B) Sodium amide in methanol reduces alkynes to alkenes. C) Methanol is a poor solvent for dissolving alkynes. D) Methanol is more acidic than the alkyne and will be deprotonated instead. E) Methanol is toxic, and should be avoided when possible.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Methanol is more acidic than the alkyne, meaning that sodium amide will preferentially deprotonate methanol over the alkyne, making it an unsuitable solvent for this reaction.

Select the Best Explanation for Why Methanol, CH3OH, Cannot Be

Select the Best Explanation for Why Methanol, CH₃OH, Cannot Be