Member of the group of
hydrocarbons having the general formula C
nH
2n, formerly known as
olefins. Alkenes are unsaturated compounds, characterized by one or more double bonds between adjacent carbon atoms. Lighter alkenes, such as
ethene and propene, are gases, obtained from the
cracking of oil fractions. Alkenes readily take part in
addition reactions, and many useful compounds, such as
polythene and bromoethane, are made from them.
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