Step 1: Understand what an alkyne is. Alkynes are hydrocarbons that contain at least one triple bond between carbon atoms.
Step 2: Identify the simplest alkyne. The simplest alkyne has the fewest number of carbon atoms.
Step 3: Count the carbon atoms in the simplest alkyne. Ethyne, also known as acetylene, has 2 carbon atoms (C2).
Step 4: Check the formula for ethyne. The chemical formula for ethyne is C2H2, which means it has 2 carbon atoms and 2 hydrogen atoms.
Step 5: Confirm that there are no alkynes with fewer than 2 carbon atoms. Since alkynes must have at least 2 carbon atoms, ethyne is indeed the simplest alkyne.
