What is the difference between an alkene and an alkane?

Both alkanes and alkenes are hydrocarbons, which means they only contain carbon and hydrogen atoms.

Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons, which means each carbon atom is bonded to four other atoms and there are no double bonds in the molecule. The formula of the molecule will be CnH2n

Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons, which means there are one or more double bonds between carbons atoms within the molecule. The formula of the molecule will be CnHn

EM
Answered by Eleanor M. Chemistry tutor

12834 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Compare and contrast the structures of Diamond and Magnesium in terms of the position and interactions of particles within the substance. Comment on how this is reflected in their properties.


How can an explosion be explained by the different ways molecules are packed together in solids, liquids and gases?


Explain briefly the separation technique of fractional distillation, with reference to a particular example.


How does the molecular structure of graphite relate to its properties?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning