Organic chemistry - (CCEA)Combustion of alkenes - Higher tier
An organic chemical contains the element carbon. There are many different homologous series of organic compounds. Single Award Science focuses on alkanes and alkenes.
alkene Unsaturated hydrocarbon containing at least one C=C and with the general formula CnH2n combust, but they are less likely than alkanes to combust completely.
Complete combustion of alkenes produces carbon dioxide and water, provided there is a plentiful supply of oxygen.
Incomplete combustion of alkenes occurs where oxygen is limited and produces water, carbon monoxide and carbon (soot). This causes a smoky flame.
Functional group
Alkenes have a functional group C=C – the part of the molecule that takes part in reactions. Alkanes, in contrast, do not have a functional group and are less reactive as a result.
Complete combustion of alkenes produces carbon dioxide and water, provided there is a plentiful supply of oxygen.
Here are the equations for the complete combustion of propene:
Propene + oxygen \(\rightarrow\) carbon dioxide + water
