Studied by 1 personCnH2n
What is the general formula?
They have at least one double covalent bond.
They are unsaturated as they have a double bond.
What is the bonding like in alkenes?
Alkenes
Are alkanes or alkenes more reactive?
ALkanes contain C-C and C-H sigma bonds which have a high bond enthalpy so are difficult to break. The bonds are also non-polar so they don’t attract nucleophiles or electrophiles. This means alkanes don’t react easily.
Alkenes are more reactive because the C=C bond contains both a sigma and pi bond. The double bond also contains four electrons so it has a high electron density. The pi bond also has a low bond enthalpy.
Why are alkenes more reactive than alkanes?
The double bond in alkenes is so reactive.
Why are alkenes good starting points for making other organic compounds and petrochemicals?
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