What is the general formula of an alkene?

The general formula of an alkene is represented as CnH2n. Alkenes are a class of hydrocarbons characterized by the presence of at least one double bond between carbon atoms. This double bond affects the number of hydrogen atoms bonded to the carbon chain.

The formula indicates that for every 'n' carbon atoms, there are 2n hydrogen atoms. This relationship reflects the fact that with each double bond formed between carbon atoms, fewer hydrogen atoms can be attached compared to alkanes, which have the general formula CnH2n+2. In simpler terms, the presence of a double bond means there is one less hydrogen atom for each double bond when compared to the equivalent alkane.

Understanding this formula is essential as it allows chemists to determine the structure of various alkenes based on their carbon count, leading to insights about their properties and reactivity.