What is an alkene and how might one be identified?

Alkenes are a family of hydrocarbons (compounds made up of only hydrogen and carbon atoms) that all share the same chemical formula, similar chemical properties (due to same functional group) and trends in physical properties. The functional group they all share is at least one or more carbon to carbon double bond hence they are unsaturated (Don't have the maximal number of hydrogen atoms possible due to presence of double bonds. 

They have the chemical formula CnH2n. An example of an alkene is ethene (see structure). The series can be rememebered by the acronym, Eat Peanut Butter - Ethene (2C) , Propene (3C) , Butene (4C). Alkenes decolourise bromine water from orange. 

NC
Answered by Natasha C. Chemistry tutor

5459 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe how elements are arranged in the periodic table


What are Oxidation and Reduction?


Explain how electricity is conducted through a metal. To gain full marks your answer must include a description of the structure and bonding in a metal.


What is the equation for complete combustion and what does it require?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences