alkene: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “alkene” mean?
An unsaturated hydrocarbon containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond (C=C).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An unsaturated hydrocarbon containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond (C=C).
A class of organic chemical compounds with the general formula CₙH₂ₙ, characterized by a double bond which is the site of reactivity. The simplest example is ethylene (C₂H₄).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Pronunciation and stress may vary slightly.
Connotations
Purely technical term in both varieties, with no differential connotations.
Frequency
Used with identical frequency in relevant scientific/educational contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “alkene” in a Sentence
The alkene undergoes addition with [reagent, e.g., bromine].Alkenes are produced by the [process, e.g., cracking] of alkanes.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alkene” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The catalyst helps to alk-en-ise the feedstock, though 'crack' is more common.
- We need to alkene-treat the sample first.
American English
- The process alk-en-ates the molecule, producing an alkene.
- You cannot 'alkene' a compound; it's not a standard verb.
adjective
British English
- The alkene fraction was collected.
- They observed characteristic alkene absorption in the IR spectrum.
American English
- The alkene product stream is purified.
- This shows typical alkene reactivity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like petrochemicals or manufacturing (e.g., 'The price of alkene feedstocks is rising').
Academic
Core term in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science curricula and research.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary, standard term in chemistry, chemical engineering, and related technical fields.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alkene”
- Mispronouncing as /ælˈkiːn/ (al-keen) instead of /ˈælkiːn/ (AL-keen).
- Confusing with 'alkane' or 'alkyne'.
- Using plural 'alkenes' as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'Alkene is a class...' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in most chemical contexts, 'alkene' and 'olefin' are synonymous, though 'alkene' is the formal IUPAC name and is generally preferred.
Ethene (C₂H₄), also commonly called ethylene, is the simplest alkene.
Yes, many alkenes are produced by plants and some microorganisms. For example, ethene is a plant hormone that regulates fruit ripening.
Alkenes like ethene and propene are primary feedstocks (starting materials) for the petrochemical industry, used to make plastics (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene), antifreeze, solvents, and many other products.
Alkene is usually technical / academic in register.
Alkene: in British English it is pronounced /ˈælkiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈælkiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: AL-KE-NE. A.L.K. suggests it's related to alkanes, but the 'ENE' sounds like 'teen' – teenagers are often 'unsaturated' with commitments, just as alkenes are unsaturated with hydrogen due to their double bond.
Conceptual Metaphor
The double bond is a site of potential (like a door that can be opened for addition reactions).
Practice
Quiz
What is the general formula for a straight-chain alkene?