What is the primary method for synthesizing alkynes?

The primary method for synthesizing alkynes involves elimination reactions from dihalides. This process typically occurs through a dehydrohalogenation reaction, where a dihaloalkane (a compound containing two halogen atoms) undergoes a reaction with a strong base, resulting in the elimination of hydrogen halide (HX) and the formation of a triple bond between two carbon atoms, thus generating an alkyne.

This pathway is particularly efficient because it allows for the conversion of readily available precursor molecules (dihalides) into the desired alkynes. In practice, using sodium amide or potassium tert-butoxide as the base is common, as these bases facilitate the elimination process effectively.

The other methods listed are not the primary routes for synthesizing alkynes. Addition reactions of alkenes typically lead to saturated hydrocarbons and are not useful for forming triple bonds directly. Hydrogenation of alkenes is a process that involves adding hydrogen across double bonds, which also does not produce alkynes. Oxidation of alkanes generally leads to alcohols, ketones, or carboxylic acids, rather than the formation of triple bonds characteristic of alkynes. Hence, elimination reactions from dihalides stand