Exploring Alkenes: Properties, Reactivity, and Applications in Chemical Industry

alkenes

contains at least 1 double-bond

Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain at least one double bond between two carbon atoms. They have the general formula CnH2n and are often represented by their molecular formula. For example, ethene (also known as ethylene) has the molecular formula C2H4.

Alkenes are more reactive than their parent alkanes because they have a double bond, which makes them more susceptible to addition reactions. The double bond consists of a sigma bond (formed by the overlap of two hybrid orbitals) and a pi bond (formed by the overlap of two unhybridized p orbitals). The pi bond is weaker than the sigma bond and is therefore more likely to be broken in reactions.

Alkenes can undergo various reactions, including addition, oxidation, and polymerization. Addition reactions take place when an electrophilic species, such as a hydrogen ion or a halogen, adds to the double bond. Oxidation reactions involve the addition of oxygen atoms to the double bond, which ultimately leads to the formation of a carbonyl group. Polymerization reactions occur when multiple alkene monomers join together to form a polymer chain.

Alkenes are commonly used in the industrial production of various chemicals, such as polymers, plastics, and solvents. They also play a vital role in organic chemistry as intermediates in the synthesis of complex molecules. Having a good understanding of the reactivity of alkenes is important for predicting and understanding the outcome of chemical reactions involving these compounds.

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