Alkenes (Overview)

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Structure & Bonding

unsaturated: contain C=C C atoms in C=C are sp2 hybridised non-polar simple molecular structures consisting of alkene molecules held together by weak VDW forces

Physical Properties

relatively low mp/bp mp/bp increases with increasing molar mass trans isomer has higher mp than cis isomer due to better packing in the solid lattice insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents (e.g. CCl4)

Chemical Properties

Alkenes are unsaturated (contain C=C) → undergo addition reaction have an e– rich region (double bond) → react with electrophiles → undergo electrophilic addition reactions

Main Reaction(s)

Electrophilic addition (with X2/ HX/ H2O) Reduction (with H2) Oxidation (with KMnO4/ K2Cr2O7)