An oxygen-containing compound which shows sharp IR absorption at 2200 cm-1 and

3300 cm-1 is likely to be what type of compound?

I picked alkYne, but the answer is alkEne. Please explain!

The compound that shows sharp IR absorption bands at around 2200 cm^-1 and 3300 cm^-1 is most likely an alkyne, not an alkene.

The sharp absorption band at 2200 cm^-1 indicates the presence of a carbon-carbon triple bond (C≡C). This absorption is due to the stretching vibrations of the carbon-carbon triple bond.

In contrast, alkene (carbon-carbon double bond, C=C) does not show a distinct absorption band at 2200 cm^-1. Instead, the double bond in an alkene results in a characteristic absorption band in the region of 1620-1680 cm^-1 due to the stretching vibrations of the carbon-carbon double bond.

The absorption at 3300 cm^-1 indicates the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group. This broad band is due to the stretching vibrations of the O-H bond. Both alkynes and alkenes can have hydroxyl groups attached to them.

In this case, the presence of a characteristic absorption band at 2200 cm^-1 indicates that the compound has a carbon-carbon triple bond, hence an alkyne. The absorption at 3300 cm^-1 suggests it also contains an -OH group. Therefore, the compound is likely an alkyne with an attached hydroxyl group.

To determine the likely compound based on the given information, we need to understand the characteristic absorption frequencies in IR spectroscopy.

Infrared spectroscopy involves the absorption of infrared light by chemical bonds in a sample. Different types of bonds absorb infrared radiation at specific frequencies, resulting in unique patterns in the IR spectrum.

The absorption of light by the compound is represented in the IR spectrum as peaks. In this case, we have two absorption peaks at 2200 cm-1 and 3300 cm-1.

The absorption peak at 2200 cm-1 is typically associated with a C≡C triple bond. This suggests the presence of an alkyne compound, which contains at least one carbon-carbon triple bond.

However, the absorption peak at 3300 cm-1 is significant here. It indicates the presence of an -OH group, as hydroxyl groups (found in alcohols) usually show absorption around this frequency.

Since alkynes do not typically contain an -OH group, the likely compound is an alkene. Alkenes are hydrocarbons that contain a carbon-carbon double bond.

Therefore, based on this information, the compound in question is likely to be an alkene rather than an alkyne.