What is the major organic product formed when 2-butyne is subjected to Birch reduction conditions (S — Redox Reactions and Volumetric Analysis Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Birch reduction ($Na/Liq. NH_3$) provides an electron source for a single-electron transfer mechanism that proceeds via a radical anion intermediate. Repulsion between the groups forces an anti-addition of hydrogen across the triple bond, highly stereoselectively yielding a trans-alkene (trans-2-butene).