How does the structure and bonding of alkanes differ to that of alkenes?

In alkanes, such as propane, the carbon atoms are sp3 hybridised, meaning that each carbon atom has 4 sp3 molecular orbitals associated with it available for covalent bonding. These form 4 sigma bonds (bonds formed along the direction of the bonding plane) with additional carbon and hydrogen atoms in a tetrahedral structure with bond angles of 109.5 degrees. In alkenes, such as propene, at least 2 carbon atoms are sp2 hybridised And so use 2 of their 3 available p orbitals to form 3 molecular orbitals, each of which forms a sigma bond with additional hydrogen and carbon atoms with bond angles of 120 degrees. The remaining p orbital lies orthogonal to the plane of sigma bonds, and overlaps with the adjacent carbon atoms’ p orbitals to form a pi bond between 2 carbon atoms leading to the characteristic unsaturated structure of these molecules. All other carbon atoms are sphybridised as in alkanes. 

EG

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why is cyclohexene able to react with bromine water, but Benzene isn't


What reaction occurs when benzene is mixed with equal amounts of sulphuric and nitric acid?


Define ferromagnetism, paramagnetism and diamagnetism, and determine whether the following complexes a) AgCl b) [Fe(CN)6]4- c) [Mn(CN)6]4- d) Co(H2O)6Cl2 are ferromagnetic, diamagnetic or paramagnetic giving a full justification for your reasoning.


Name an appropriate reducing agent to convert ethanal to ethanol