Alkene

An alkene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond.

This double bond renders alkenes more reactive than alkanes due to the presence of pi electrons. Alkenes are typically represented by the general formula CnH2n (for non-cyclic structures) and form the basis for many important industrial polymers and chemicals.

The presence of the double bond also gives alkenes the potential for geometric isomerism (cis/trans or E/Z) and addition reactions.

The properties of an alkene are determined by both the carbon chain length and the position of the double bond.

Alkene meaning with examples

• Ethene (ethylene), the simplest alkene, is a crucial industrial feedstock used to produce polyethylene, a common plastic. It's generated via the cracking of crude oil.
• Propene (propylene) is another important alkene. It's used to make polypropylene, another widely used plastic, in addition to various other organic chemicals and solvents.
• Butene isomers are used in the production of synthetic rubber. They are commonly used in the creation of various polymers used within industries like textiles, packaging, and adhesives.
• Cycloalkenes, like cyclopentene, are cyclic alkenes found in various natural products. These are essential intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and other complex organic molecules.
• An understanding of alkene reactivity is fundamental to organic chemistry. Reactions such as the addition of hydrogen, halogens, or water allow for the manipulation of alkene molecules to yield useful products.