Butene is a term that is commonly used in the field of chemistry. It refers to a group of hydrocarbons that are classified as alkenes. These compounds are commonly used in the production of plastics, synthetic rubbers, and other chemical products. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of butene, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Butene is a group of hydrocarbons that contain four carbon atoms and a double bond. There are four isomers of butene, which are named based on the position of the double bond. These isomers are:
- 1-Butene.
- 2-Butene.
- cis-2-Butene.
- trans-2-Butene.
The most common isomer of butene is 1-butene, which is used in the production of polyethylene and other polymers.
Origin
The term butene is derived from the word butyl, which refers to a group of four carbon atoms. The first isomer of butene, 1-butene, was first isolated in 1863 by the French chemist Charles Adolphe Wurtz.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, butene is defined as “any of four isomeric hydrocarbons C4H8 that contain one double bond and are used chiefly in making synthetic rubber and plastics.”.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines butene as “a hydrocarbon of the formula C4H8, containing a double bond and used in the production of plastics and synthetic rubbers.”.
Associations
Butene is commonly associated with the production of plastics, synthetic rubbers, and other chemical products. It is also used as a fuel additive and as a solvent in the chemical industry.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of butene include butylene, butylenes, and butene-1.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of butene, but compounds that do not contain a double bond are often referred to as alkanes.
The same root words
The root word of butene is butyl, which refers to a group of four carbon atoms. Other compounds that contain the butyl group include butane, butanol, and butyric acid.
Example Sentences
- The production of polyethylene requires the use of 1-butene.
- Butene is commonly used in the production of synthetic rubbers.
- The chemical formula for butene is C4H8.
- The double bond in butene makes it more reactive than other alkanes.
- Butene can be used as a fuel additive to improve the performance of gasoline.