Organic

Chemistry
Part 2
Alkenes
• The alkenes form a homologous series. Like all homologous series, the alkenes:

 Have the same general formula

 Differ by CH2 in molecular formulae from neighbouring compounds

 Show a gradual variation in physical properties, such as their boiling points

 Have similar chemical properties

• General formula

 The general formula for the alkenes is CnH2n, where n is the number of carbon atoms in the molecule
Alkenes
• The alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons:

Hydrocarbons, because they are compounds containing hydrogen and carbon only

Unsaturated, because they contain a C=C double bond, which means that they have two fewer
hydrogen atoms than the corresponding alkane

• The C=C bond is the functional group in the alkenes. It is responsible for the typical reactions
of alkenes.

• Like the alkanes, the alkenes undergo combustion. However, alkenes are less likely to combust
completely, so they tend to burn in air with a smoky flame due to incomplete combustion.
Alkenes additional reactions

• Alkenes can undergo something called additional reactions because of the C=C

• The reaction is an ‘addition’ reaction because one molecule combines with another
molecule, forming one larger molecule and no other products.

• Alkanes cannot take part in addition reactions as they don’t have a carbon-carbon double
bond

• An example of this Propene CH 3CH=CH2 + Bromine Br2 dibromoethane

CH 3CH=CH2 + Br2 = CH3CHBrCH2Br

Testing for alkanes and alkenes

• An orange-brown solution of bromine dissolved in water, called bromine water, is used

to distinguish between alkanes and alkenes:

 There is no change when bromine water is mixed with an alkane

The bromine water becomes colourless when it is mixed with an alkene

Alkene reacted with water and hydrogen

• Alkene + hydrogen → alkane

This is called hydrogenation, and it needs a catalyst.

• For example:

Propene + hydrogen → propane

• Alkene + water → alcohol

This is called hydration, and it needs a temperature of approximately 300°C and a catalyst.

• For example:

Butene + water → butanol

Alkene reacted with halogen and oxygen

Alkene + halogen → halogenoalkane

• Chlorine, bromine or iodine can be added to an alkene. These reactions are usually
spontaneous. Here are some examples:

Ethene + Chloride → Dichloroethane

• Alkene + oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water

2C3H6 + 9 O2 = 6 CO2 + 6 H2O

Propene + Oxygen = Carbon Dioxide + Water