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Alkenes

The form a . Like all homologous series, the alkenes:

  • have the same
  • differ by CH2 in from neighbouring
  • show a gradual variation in , such as their
  • have similar

General formula

The general formula for the alkenes is CnH2n (where n is the number of carbon atoms in the molecule).

Worked example

Decene is an alkene. Its contain 10 carbon . Predict the molecular formula of decene and explain your answer.

The formula will be C10H20.

This is because n = 10.

So, 2n = (2 脳 10) = 20.

Question

Hexene is an alkene. Its molecules contain 6 carbon atoms. Predict the molecular formula of hexene.

Structures

The table shows the first four alkenes, their molecular formulae, displayed formulae, structural formulae as well as a drawing of their ball-and-stick constructional models.

Table showing four alkenes, their molecular formulae and their structures

The ball-and-stick models on the right show that the are not really at angles of 90掳.

The alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons:

  • , because they are compounds containing hydrogen and carbon only
  • , because they contain a C=C double bond

The C=C bond is the in the alkenes. It is responsible for the typical reactions of alkenes.