Alkynes are less reactive than alkenes towards electrophilic reagents. But the alkyne chemistry is useful for organic synthesis, in the form of hydration of the triple bond, formation of metalacetylides, selective reduction of alkynes and few other related reactions.

Question: Compare the reactivity of alkynes and alkenes towards electrophilic reagents. Additionally, describe one reaction that demonstrates the utility of alkynes in organic synthesis. Answer: Alkynes, with carbon-carbon triple bonds, are less reactive towards electrophilic reagents compared to alkenes which have carbon-carbon double bonds. This is due to the greater electron density in the triple bond, with two pi (π) bonds. One reaction demonstrating the utility of alkynes in organic synthesis is their hydration, in which a water molecule is added across the triple bond, resulting in an enol that quickly converts to a ketone. This reaction takes place in the presence of a strong mineral acid and HgSO4 as a catalyst.