Alkenes, or olefins, are hydrocarbons with at least one carbon-carbon double bond, following the formula CnH2n. They engage in electrophilic addition reactions, forming diverse products like halogenoalkanes, alcohols, and polymers. Their reactivity also allows them to act as indicators in tests and catalysts in synthetic processes, highlighting their importance in chemistry.
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Alkenes are hydrocarbons with at least one carbon-carbon double bond, characterized by the formula C=C
The general molecular formula for alkenes is CnH2n, reflecting their two hydrogen atoms for every carbon atom
Examples of alkenes include ethene (C2H4), butene (C4H8), and decene (C10H20)
Alkenes commonly undergo electrophilic addition reactions, where an electrophile is attracted to the electron-rich double bond, forming a new bond and enlarging the molecule
The mechanism involves the formation of a carbocation intermediate and the attack of a nucleophile to complete the reaction
Examples include halogenation, hydration, and hydrogenation, which yield halogenoalkanes, alcohols, and alkanes, respectively
Alkenes can undergo oxidation reactions with agents like potassium permanganate, producing different products depending on the conditions
Alkenes are fundamental in polymerization reactions, where they link to form long polymer chains, used in the production of materials such as plastics and synthetic fibers
Alkenes can act as indicators in chemical tests, such as the bromine water test, and are involved in catalytic processes
Alkenes have various industrial and analytical uses, such as in the production of materials and as catalysts in reversible reactions
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The general formula for alkenes is ______, indicating two hydrogen atoms per carbon atom, with ______ being the simplest example.
CnH2n
ethene (C2H4)
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Characteristic of electrophiles in electrophilic addition
Electron-poor, attracted to electron-rich alkene double bonds, accept electron pairs.
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Outcome of electrophilic addition on alkene double bond
Double bond becomes two single bonds, electrophile added across, molecule size increases.
