Hydrocarbons
The family of alkenes
All molecules
in this family share
the same formula CnH2n..
The compounds in this homologous series are characterised by double covalent bonds between carbon atoms and are also known as unsaturated hydrocarbons. In an unsaturated hydrocarbon some of the single carbon-carbon bonds are replaced with double or triple bonds.
The most important alkenes in this homologous series are ethene and propene. These two gases are of immense commercial importance.
Name |
Molecular
formula |
Structural
formula |
Diagram |
Ethene |
C2H4
| CH2CH2
|  |
Propene |
C3H6
| CH2CHCH3 |  |
butene |
C4H8
| CH2CHCH2CH3 CH3CHCHCH3 |
|
