alkene

views updated May 21 2018

alkene (olefin) Unsaturated hydrocarbon compound with the general formula CnH2n. Alkenes have a carbon-carbon double bond and form an homologous series whose first members are ethene and propene. They are reactive, particularly in addition reactions. Alkenes are made by the dehydration of alcohols, and are used as fuels and to make polymers.

alkene

views updated Jun 08 2018

al·kene / ˈalˌkēn/ • n. Chem. any of the series of unsaturated hydrocarbons containing a double bond and having the general formula CnH2n, including ethylene and propylene.

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