Alkene

  • Alkene: a group of organic compounds that are unsaturated hydrocarbons. 
  • The general formula of alkene: \(C_nH_{2n}\)
  • Homologous series: a group of organic compounds represented by a general formula, have the same functional group and every member is different from the others by a common structural unit, \(-CH_2\).
  • Functional group: atom or group of atoms that determines the chemical properties of members of a homologous series.

Number of

carbon atoms

Molecular

formula

Structural

formula

Ethene
2 \(C_{2}H_{4}\)
Propene
3 \(C_{3}H_{6}\)
Butene
4 \(C_{4}H_{8}\)
Pentene
5 \(C_{5}H_{10}\)
Hexene
6 \(C_{6}H_{12}\)
Heptene
7 \(C_{7}H_{14}\)
Octene
8 \(C_{8}H_{16}\)
Nonene
9 \(C_{9}H_{18}\)
Decene
10 \(C_{10}H_{20}\)

 

Physical properties of alkenes

Name of alkene Physical state
Ethene Gas
Propene Gas
Butene Gas
Pentene Liquid
Hexene Liquid
Heptene Liquid
Octene Liquid
Nonene Liquid
Decene Liquid

 

 

Properties Explanation
Melting point
Increases as going down the group
  • As going down the group, the molecular size increases
  • Requires more energy to overcome the attractive forces
Boiling point
Increases as going down the group
  • As going down the group, the molecular size increases
  • Requires more energy to overcome the attractive forces
Density
Increases as going down the group
  • As going down the group, the molecular size increases
Solubility in water
Insoluble in water
  • Alkenes are covalent compounds
Conductivity of electricity
Does not conduct electricity
  • Does not contain freely moving ions