The Differences Between Alkane and Alkene
Chemistry is a fascinating subject, and it has given us so many discoveries and inventions through the ages. Alkanes and alkenes are two such discoveries that have changed the course of organic chemistry. So, what are alkanes and alkenes? What is the difference between them? In this article, we will discuss the differences between alkanes and alkenes, and their respective properties.
Alkanes or Saturated Hydrocarbons
Alkanes are a class of organic compounds also known as saturated hydrocarbons. They are made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms, with single covalent bonds between them. Alkanes are also known as paraffins because of their low reactivity. They are found in crude oil and natural gas, and they make up a significant portion of these fossil fuels.
The general formula for alkanes is CnH2n+2, where n is the number of carbon atoms in the molecule. For example, methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), and butane (C4H10) are all alkanes.
Alkanes are not very reactive, so they do not readily undergo chemical reactions like oxidation or combustion. They are nonpolar and hydrophobic, which means they do not dissolve in water but do dissolve in nonpolar solvents like kerosene, gasoline, and oil.
Alkenes or Unsaturated Hydrocarbons
Alkenes are a class of organic compounds also known as unsaturated hydrocarbons. They are made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms, with double covalent bonds between the carbon atoms. Alkenes are more reactive than alkanes because of the presence of the double bond. They are used as chemical feedstock for the production of plastics, solvents, and pharmaceuticals.
The general formula for alkenes is CnH2n, where n is the number of carbon atoms in the molecule. For example, ethene (C2H4), propene (C3H6), and butene (C4H8) are all alkenes.
Alkenes are more reactive than alkanes because of the carbon-carbon double bond. They can undergo a variety of reactions, including addition reactions such as hydrogenation, halogenation, and hydrohalogenation. Alkenes are also polar and can dissolve in polar solvents like water and ethanol.
Differences between Alkanes and Alkenes
Now that we have looked at the properties of alkanes and alkenes, let’s summarize the differences between them:
- Alkanes have single bonds between carbon atoms, while alkenes have double bonds.
- Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons, while alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons.
- Alkanes are nonpolar and hydrophobic, while alkenes are polar and can dissolve in polar solvents.
- Alkanes are less reactive than alkenes because they do not have double bonds.
While these differences may seem small, they are significant in determining the properties and reactivity of these two classes of organic compounds. By understanding the differences between alkanes and alkenes, we can appreciate the vast diversity of the chemical compounds that make up our world.
Conclusion
Alkanes and alkenes are two classes of organic compounds with distinct differences in their structures and properties. Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds between carbon atoms, while alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons with double bonds. Alkanes are nonpolar, hydrophobic, and less reactive than alkenes, which are polar and more reactive due to their double bonds. These differences are significant in understanding the reactivity and applications of these compounds in various fields, from energy production to medicine.
Table difference between alkane and alkene
| Property | Alkane | Alkene |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Hydrocarbon with single bond between carbon atoms | Hydrocarbon with at least one double bond between carbon atoms |
| General Formula | CnH2n+2 | CnH2n |
| Number of bonds between carbon atoms | Single bond | At least one double bond |
| Physical State | Generally, gases and liquids at room temperature | Generally, liquids at room temperature |
| Boiling Point | Higher boiling point compared to alkene due to higher intermolecular forces | Lower boiling point compared to alkane due to lesser intermolecular forces |
| Chemical Reactivity | Less reactive compared to alkene due to lack of a double bond | More reactive compared to alkane due to presence of a double bond |