Exploring Alkenes: Properties, Uses and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry

alkenes

hydrocarbons with one double bond are called__________

Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond in their structure. They are commonly represented as RCH=CH2, where R is any organic group.

Properties of Alkenes:
– They are insoluble in water but soluble in non-polar solvents.
– They are less dense than water.
– Their boiling points increase with increasing molecular weight due to stronger London dispersion forces.
– They are relatively unreactive due to the stability of the carbon-carbon double bond.
– They can undergo addition reactions with electrophilic reagents such as hydrogen halides, halogens, and water.

Uses of Alkenes:
– They are used as starting materials in the production of plastics, synthetic fibers, and rubber.
– They are also used as solvents and as a fuel component.
– They are important intermediates in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other organic chemicals.

Preparation of Alkenes:
– Alkenes can be prepared through the elimination reaction of an alkyl halide with a strong base such as KOH or NaOH.
– They can also be prepared through the dehydration of alcohols in the presence of a strong acid catalyst.
– Alkenes can be obtained through cracking of petroleum fractions in the presence of heat and catalysts.

Reactivity of Alkenes:
– Alkenes are relatively stable due to the carbon-carbon double bond but can undergo addition reactions with electrophilic reagents such as hydrogen halides, halogens, or water.
– They can also participate in polymerization reactions to form plastics and synthetic fibers.
– Alkenes can undergo oxidation to form alcohols and other functional groups.

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