Organic ChemistryKey Facts

Key Facts Summary

Part of AlkenesGCSE Chemistry

This key facts covers Key Facts Summary within Alkenes for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Alkenes in Organic Chemistry for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 9 of 14 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 9 of 14

Practice

20 questions

Recall

15 flashcards

📌 Key Facts Summary

  • General formula: CₙH₂ₙ (2 fewer H than alkanes)
  • Unsaturated = contains C=C double bond
  • More reactive than alkanes (double bond can open)
  • First four: Ethene (C₂H₄), Propene (C₃H₆), Butene (C₄H₈), Pentene (C₅H₁₀)
  • Bromine water test: alkenes turn it colourless, alkanes don't
  • Undergo addition reactions (atoms add across the double bond)
  • Used to make polymers/plastics
  • Made by cracking long-chain alkanes

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Alkenes. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Alkenes

What is the general formula for alkenes?

  • A. CnH2n+2
  • B. CnH2n-2
  • C. CnH2n
  • D. CnH4
1 markfoundation

Explain what is meant by the term 'unsaturated' when applied to alkenes.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What are alkenes?
Unsaturated hydrocarbons containing a C=C double bond
How are alkenes produced?
By cracking long-chain alkanes from crude oil

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