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

13043 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain the trends in electronegativity in the periodic table


Describe the difference between bonding in ionic structures and covalent molecules


Explain why cis- alkenes typically have a lower boiling point than trans alkenes.


What is the general formula for Hydrocarbons?


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