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

2552 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Give the names of three commonly known types of subatomic particles along with their charge and relative masses. In the basic model of the atomic structure, where would one find each of these particles?


Describe what happens to copper ions during electrolysis of copper sulphate.


Crude oil has to be separated into fractions to be useful. How is this done?


How to balance equations


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