Alkenes

General formula
CnH2n

Aliphatic hydrocarbons with one double bond between carbons are called alkenes. They follow the naming convention of the alkanes except that the suffix -ene is used instead of -ane. For alkenes above propene the position of the double bond must be specified in the name.

ethene
ethylene
 propene
Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons and are generally very reactive. Typical reactions involve the addition of hydrogens or halogens.

The double bond in alkenes can act to bond such molecules together in long chains and sheets. The formation of polymers is an important area of chemistry.

Aliphatic Hydrocarbons
 Index

Carbon compounds

Chemistry concepts

Reference
Shipman, Wilson, Todd
Sec 15.2
 
HyperPhysics*****Chemistry R Nave
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Ethene

Ethene is the smallest of the alkene series. More commonly called ethylene, it is an important intermediate in many chemical synthesis processes. Notably, it is used in the manufacture of ethylene glycol for antifreeze. It is also used in the synthesis of ethanol.

Aliphatic Hydrocarbons
 Index

Carbon compounds

Chemistry concepts

Reference
Shipman, Wilson, Todd
Sec 15.2
 
HyperPhysics*****Chemistry R Nave
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Propene

Propene is the second member of the alkene series.

Aliphatic Hydrocarbons
 Index

Carbon compounds

Chemistry concepts

Reference
Shipman, Wilson, Todd
Sec 15.2
 
HyperPhysics*****Chemistry R Nave
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Butene

The third in the alkene series, butene can occur in two different forms, depending on the position of the double bond. The position of the double bond is indicated in the name as shown. Larger alkenes are constructed and named in a similar manner.

Aliphatic Hydrocarbons
 Index

Carbon compounds

Chemistry concepts

Reference
Shipman, Wilson, Todd
Sec 15.2
 
HyperPhysics*****Chemistry R Nave
 Go Back