Alkene is a term that is commonly used in organic chemistry. It refers to a class of hydrocarbons that contain a carbon-carbon double bond. Alkenes are important in the production of many industrial chemicals, including plastics, synthetic rubber, and solvents. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of alkene, its origin, and its associations in different contexts.
Definitions
Alkene is a type of unsaturated hydrocarbon that contains at least one carbon-carbon double bond. It is also known as an olefin. The double bond in an alkene is made up of a sigma bond and a pi bond. The sigma bond is formed by the overlap of two atomic orbitals, while the pi bond is formed by the overlap of two p orbitals.
Origin
The term alkene is derived from the words “alkyl” and “ene”. Alkyl refers to a group of hydrocarbons that contain one or more carbon atoms, while ene refers to the presence of a double bond. The first alkene to be discovered was ethene, which was isolated by Michael Faraday in 1825.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of alkene is consistent across different dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines alkene as “any of a class of unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “any of a series of unsaturated hydrocarbons containing a double bond and having the general formula CnH2n.”
Associations
Alkenes are associated with a variety of industrial and commercial applications. They are used in the production of plastics, synthetic rubber, and solvents. They are also used in the production of gasoline and other fuels. Alkenes are important intermediates in many chemical reactions, and their properties make them useful in a wide range of applications.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of alkene include olefin, ethylene, propylene, butene, and pentene. These terms are often used interchangeably with alkene, depending on the specific context.
Antonyms
The antonym of alkene is alkane, which is a type of saturated hydrocarbon that contains only single bonds between carbon atoms. Alkanes are also known as paraffins.
The same root words
The root words of alkene are alkyl and ene. Other words that contain the same root words include alkylate, alkylating agent, and alkenylation.
Example Sentences
- Alkenes are important intermediates in many chemical reactions.
- The production of plastics and synthetic rubber relies on the use of alkenes.
- Ethene is the simplest alkene, with the formula C2H4.
- Alkanes are the antonym of alkenes, containing only single bonds between carbon atoms.
- Olefins are another name for alkenes, and are commonly used in the chemical industry.