What are the differences and similarities between alkanes and alkenes?

Both alkanes and alkenes are hydrocarbons, meaning they are made up of hydrogen and carbon only. However, alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons consisting of single bonds only whereas alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons which include a carbon-carbon double bond. Additionally, alkanes and alkenes have different general formula. The general formula for alkanes is C(n)H(2n+2) whereas the general formula for alkenes is C(n)H(2n).

NH
Answered by Nancy H. Chemistry tutor

45977 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Draw a labelled diagram of carbon.


How do you calculate the relative atomic mass of an element


What is the point of learning about chemistry - how can it be applied to real life?


What is ionic bonding and what are the characteristics of this type of bonding?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning