What is the difference between an alkene and an alkane?

Both alkenes and alkanes are chains of carbon and hydrogen molecules. The chains can be different lengths and each length chain has a different name. 

An alkene is a chain which has a double bond between two of the carbon molecules, making it unsaturated. This means that there is the space for another bond to be formed.

An alkane is a chain which is saturated as all possible bonds are formed. 

EH
Answered by Emily H. Chemistry tutor

2429 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe and explain the trend in reactivity down the alkali metals group.


What is an ion and how are they formed?


What is meant by a strong acid?


Explain why graphite is able to conduct electrcity and diamond is not


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning