Alkene, alkane and alkyne are classes of organic compounds made up of only carbon and hydrogen atoms. These compounds have different properties that make them useful for many industrial applications.These molecules differ in their chemical structure, which affects properties such as boiling point, solubility and reactivity.
What is Alkene?
An alkene is a hydrocarbon with a double bond between two carbon atoms. The general formula for an alkene is CnH2n, where “n” is the number of carbons in the molecule. Alkenes are found in nature and are used to make many products we use daily, such as plastics, rubber, and fuels.
What is Alkane?
An alkane is a saturated hydrocarbon with single bonds between all of its carbon atoms. The general formula for an alkane is CnH2n+2, where “n” is the number of carbons in the molecule. Alkanes are found in nature, and are used to make products such as fuels, solvents, and detergents.
What is Alkyne?
An alkyne is an unsaturated hydrocarbon with a triple bond between two carbon atoms. The general formula for an alkyne is CnH2n-2, where “n” is the number of carbons in the molecule. Alkynes are found in nature and can be used to make products such as plastics and fuels.
Difference Between Alkene, Alkane And Alkyne
Chemical Structure:
Chemical Structure Of Alkene:
Alkene molecules contain a double bond between two carbon atoms, represented by the formula CnH2n.
Chemical Structure Of Alkane:
Alkane molecules contain only single bonds between all of its carbon atoms and are represented by the formula CnH2n+2.
Chemical Structure Of Alkyne:
Alkyne molecules contain a triple bond between two carbon atoms and are represented by the formula CnH2n-2.
Boiling Point:
Boiling Point Of Alkene:
The boiling point of alkenes is lower than that of alkanes, due to the double bond between two carbon atoms.
Boiling Point Of Alkane:
The boiling point of alkanes is higher than that of alkenes as there are only single bonds between all its carbon atoms.
Boiling Point Of Alkyne:
The boiling point of alkynes is higher than that of alkenes, due to the triple bond between two carbon atoms.
Solubility:
Solubility Of Alkene:
Alkenes are generally soluble in organic solvents such as ether and benzene, but insoluble in water.
Solubility Of Alkane:
Alkanes are generally insoluble in organic solvents and water.
Solubility Of Alkyne:
Alkynes have greater solubility than alkanes due to their higher polarity, and can be soluble in both organic solvents and water.
Reactivity:
Reactivity Of Alkene:
Alkenes are relatively reactive and can be easily synthesized in the laboratory. They can react with various chemicals such as hydrogen, halogens and alcohols.
Reactivity Of Alkane:
Alkanes are relatively unreactive due to their nonpolar nature and resistance to chemical attack.
Reactivity Of Alkyne:
Alkynes are highly reactive due to their triple bond and can react with a variety of chemicals, such as hydrogen halides and alkali metals.
Key Difference:
- Alkene molecules contain a double bond between two carbon atoms, represented by the formula CnH2n, while alkane molecules contain only single bonds between all of its carbon atoms and are represented by the formula CnH2n+2.
- The boiling point of alkenes is lower than that of alkanes, due to the double bond between two carbon atoms, while the boiling point of alkanes is higher than that of alkenes as there are only single bonds between all its carbon atoms.
- Alkenes are generally soluble in organic solvents such as ether and benzene, but insoluble in water; alkanes are generally insoluble in organic solvents and water; whereas alkynes have greater solubility than alkanes due to their higher polarity, and can be soluble in both organic solvents and water.
- Alkenes are relatively reactive and can be easily synthesized in the laboratory, while alkanes are relatively unreactive due to their nonpolar nature and resistance to chemical attack. Alkynes, on the other hand, are highly reactive due to their triple bond and can react with a variety of chemicals.
Conclusion:
Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain a double bond between two carbon atoms, represented by the formula CnH2n. Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons that contain only single bonds between all of its carbon atoms and are represented by the formula CnH2n+2. The boiling point of alkenes is lower than that of alkanes due to the double bond between two carbon atoms, while the boiling point of alkanes is higher than that of alkenes as there are only single bonds between all its carbon atoms.
FAQs:
Q. What Type Of Bonding Of Alkene?
Alkene molecules contain a double bond between two carbon atoms, represented by the formula CnH2n.
Q. Are Alkenes Saturated?
No, alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons due to the presence of a double bond between two carbon atoms.
Q. What is The Naming Of Alkynes?
Alkynes are named using the prefix ‘yne’ at the end of the name, for example: propane is an alkane and propyne is an alkyne.