Alkenes

• What is the general formula of alkenes?

  CnH2n
• Are alkenes saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbons?

  unsaturated, carbon to carbon double bond
• Why do reactions happen in alkenes?

  carbon-carbon double covalent bond which is a centre of high electron density
• Are alkenes soluble or not and why?

  Insoluble in water, but dissolve in organic solvents.

  Main forces of attraction are VDW or dipole-dipole interactions so similar energy is being used and produced in dissolving these substances
• Do alkenes have a higher or lower boiling point than alkanes?

  Lower
• Why is the double bond not twice as strong as a single bond?

  The sharing doesn't happen directly between two carbon atoms therefore they are a bit weaker
• Are alkenes more reactive than alkanes?

  Yes
• Why are alkenes more reactive?

  Due to the electron-rich area around the C=C bond
• These high electron density areas can be attacked by what?

  Electrophiles (electron pair acceptors)
• Alkenes undergo what type of mechanism reaction?

  Electrophilic addition