Alkenes are a family of unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain at least one carbon–carbon double bond (C=C). This double bond plays a crucial role in determining the chemical behavior of these compounds. While not abundantly found in crude oil, alkenes are primarily produced by cracking alkanes during petroleum processing.
Alkenes, particularly ethene, are extremely important in the chemical industry. Although they are hydrocarbons like alkanes, their double bond makes them more reactive. Alkenes are essential for manufacturing plastics and many other chemicals. Despite being combustible, they are rarely used as fuels because they are far more valuable as chemical feedstocks.
Alkenes are classified based on the number of alkyl groups attached to the sp²-hybridized carbon atoms of the double bond. This classification helps determine the stability and reactivity of alkenes.
Alkenes are versatile and widely used in various industrial and commercial applications:
Ethene (Ethylene)
Propene (Propylene)
Styrene (from alkenes)
Terylene (from alkenes)
Other Applications
(Session 2025 - 26)