Question

Two carbon compounds X and Y have the molecular formula C₄H₈ and C₅H₁₂ respectively. Which one of these is most likely to show addition reaction? Justify your answer. Also give the chemical equation to explain the process of addition in this case.

Answer 1

C₄H₈ is an unsaturated hydrocarbon butene and C₅H₁₂ is saturated hydrocarbon pentane.

C₄H₈ will go addition reaction due to the presence of electrons in the double bond.

for example, C₄H₈ reacts with in presence of Pd and Ni gives ethane.

\[\ce{CH2 = CH2 ->[ Ni - Pd ] CH3-CH3}\]