Alkenes Chemical Properties

Although the double bond between two carbon atoms is stronger link than a single bond, it is not twice as strong, (i.e. the second bond formed between the carbon atoms is weaker than the first). Thus, the second bond is more vulnerable to attack by suitable reagents, even under fairly mild conditions. Thus, the reaction of this second bond tend to be addition reactions, where the unsaturated carbon atoms become saturated. The alkenes are much more reactive than alkanes. Combustion of Alkenes The alkenes are highly flammable and burn readily in air, forming carbon dioxide and water,. For example, ethene burns as follows :
C2H4 + 3 O2 ==> 2 CO2 + 2 H2O

Addition Reactions across the Double Bond Because the alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons, their most important reactions are addition reactions across the double bond. The alkenes are readily oxidised by potassium permanganate to form glycols. For example, ethene is oxidised to ethylene glycol.

3 H2C=CH2

2 KMnO4 ==>

+ 2MnO2

4 H2O + 2KOH + CH2OHCH2OH Ethylene Glycol

During the oxidation of alkenes, the purple colour of the permanganate solution disappears and the reaction constitutes a test, known as Baeyer's Test, to detect unsaturation in any compound. Addition of Hydrogen The alkenes are readily reduced by the addition of hydrogen across the double bond to form alkanes (i.e. reduction of alkenes). For example, when an alkenes is passed over a nickel catalyst at 150 degC, the alkene is reduced to an alkane.
H2C=CH2 Ethene + H2 ==> CH3CH3 Ethane

Addition of Halogen Halogens readily add across the double bond of the alkenes to form dihalides
H2C=CH2 Ethene + Cl2 ==> CH2Cl CH2Cl DiChloroEthane

H2C=CH2 + Br2 ==> H2Br CH2Br Ethene DiBromoEthane The decolourisation of bromine is a second test for an unsaturated organic compound. Addition of Hydrogen Halide Hydrogen halides readily add across the double bond of the alkenes to form alkyl halides The reactivity of ethene, with the halogen acids is in the order