ALKENE Meaning and
Definition
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An alkene refers to a type of hydrocarbon that possesses a double bond between two adjacent carbon atoms in its molecular structure. It is categorized under the larger group of unsaturated hydrocarbons, which include alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic compounds. Alkenes can be considered the simplest form of unsaturated hydrocarbons and are widely found in nature and synthetic materials.
The structure of an alkene consists of carbon atoms that form a linear or branched chain, with each carbon having one or two hydrogen atoms attached. The presence of a double bond between the carbon atoms reduces the number of hydrogen atoms and gives the alkene its unsaturated nature. This double bond is formed by the sharing of electrons between the two carbon atoms, resulting in a strong covalent bond.
Alkenes are highly reactive due to the presence of the double bond, which undergoes addition reactions with other atoms or molecules. Some common reactions include hydrogenation, where the double bond is saturated with hydrogen atoms, and addition of halogens such as chlorine and bromine. These reactions result in the conversion of alkenes into other organic compounds with different properties.
Alkenes have various industrial applications, including their use as starting materials for the synthesis of plastics, solvents, and synthetic fibers. They are also utilized in the chemical industry for the production of detergents, pharmaceuticals, and various types of fuels. Additionally, alkenes play a crucial role in biological processes, as they are involved in the synthesis of essential molecules in living organisms.
Common Misspellings for ALKENE
Etymology of ALKENE
The word "alkene" is derived from the combination of two words: "alkyl" and "ene".
- "Alkyl" is derived from the German word "Alkohol", meaning alcohol. It was coined by the German chemist August Wilhelm von Hofmann in 1850 to represent a group of hydrocarbon compounds derived from alkane by removing one hydrogen atom.
- "Ene" is derived from the Greek word "ἔνεσμα" (enesma), meaning enema or enema tube. The term was initially used in organic chemistry to denote unsaturated hydrocarbons with double bonds as a reference to their structure.
Therefore, when these two terms are combined, "alkene" refers to a group of hydrocarbon compounds derived from alkane, but with a double bond between two carbon atoms.
Similar spelling words for ALKENE
- align,
- Alequin,
- allegheny,
- aligned,
- alikeness,
- alkyne,
- ALCON,
- algin,
- Alcyone,
- alkane,
- alkanet.
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