Question

What is an alkene?

Short answer

An alkene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon that contains at least one carbon-carbon double bond. The general formula for an alkene is \(C_nH_{2n}\). Examples include ethene (\(C_2H_4\)). They are typically more reactive than alkanes due to their double bonds.

Step-by-step solution

Define Alkene

An alkene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon. It contains at least one carbon-carbon double bond. The general formula for an alkene is \(C_nH_{2n}\).

Structure of Alkene

They have a carbon-carbon double bond which gives them certain characteristics. For example, this double bond makes them more reactive than alkanes. The name of an alkene usually ends in '-ene'. If there is only one double bond, it is a 'monoene'. If there are two double bonds, it is a 'diene' and so on.

Example of Alkene

A common example of an alkene is Ethene. Its molecular formula is \(C_2H_4\) and it is the simplest alkene, having only two carbon atoms connected by a double bond.