Which of the alkynes below, after undergoing an acid-catalyzed hydration, would be expected to produce two different ketones in nearly equivalent yields? 4-methyl-1-pentyne 1-hexyne 3-methyl-1-pentyne 3-hexyne 2-hexyne?

We have to get the correct alkyne which after undergoing an acid-catalyzed hydration, would be expected to produce two different ketones in nearly equivalent yields.

The answer is: 2-hexyne

Acid catalyzed hydration of alkyne produces ketone (except acetylene, as only acetylene gives aldehyde on hydration).

2-Hexyne on hydrolysis produces 2-hexanone and 3-hexanone where they both are ketones and they both are different ketones.

4-methyl-1-pentyne gives 4-methyl-2-pentanone and 4-methyl-1-pentanal (non equivalent mixture), where both are not ketones, one aldehyde and one ketone.

1-hexyne gives 2-hexanone and 1-hexanal where one is ketone and other one is aldehyde.

3-methyl-1-pentyne gives 3-methyl-2-pentanone and 3-methyl-1-pentanal (non equivalent mixture), where both are not ketones, one aldehyde and one ketone.

3-hexyne gives two equivalent amount of  3-hexanone.

let that person have a turn to speak : )

the ratio of the conjugate base to the acid required to attain the desired ph.