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Year 11 - Science

Alkenes

Organic chemistry

Unit Summary

This unit covers identifying functional groups, naming and drawing structural formulae, and predicting reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, and carboxylic acids. It explains addition and condensation polymerisation and discusses natural polymers like DNA, sugars, and amino acids.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe and explain the reactions and properties of the first four alkenes.

Key Notes

  • Reactions of an alkene happen at its functional group, C=C.
  • Reactions of an alkene change it from an unsaturated to a saturated molecule.
  • Larger alkenes have higher boiling points and are less flammable.
  • Alkenes tend to burn with smoky flames due to incomplete combustion.
  • Isomers are structures with the same molecular formula, but different arrangement of atoms in space.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • functional group: The functional group is the atom or group of atoms responsible for the way a compound reacts.
  • unsaturated: Unsaturated compounds contain at least one carbon-carbon double covalent bond.
  • saturated: Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons as they contain only single bonds between carbon and hydrogen atoms.
  • isomers: Isomers are structures with the same molecular formula, but different arrangement of atoms in space.
  • alkenes: Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain the C=C functional group.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The shortest alkene is one containing only one carbon atom.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

Reactions of an alkene happen at its functional group, C=C. Reactions of an alkene change it from an unsaturated to a saturated molecule.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'functional group'

The functional group is the atom or group of atoms responsible for the way a compound reacts. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: The shortest alkene is one containing only one carbon atom. Correction: Teach that alkenes contain the C=C bond and therefore the shortest alkene is ethene.

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