Ethene

Definition

Ethene, also known as ethylene, is a colorless gas with the formula C₂H₄, which is the simplest alkene. It consists of two carbon atoms connected by a double bond, along with four hydrogen atoms. This unique structure contributes to its reactivity and makes it an important building block in organic chemistry and various industrial processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethene has sp² hybridization, which involves one s orbital and two p orbitals from each carbon atom combining to form three equivalent sp² hybrid orbitals.
2. The molecular geometry of ethene is trigonal planar around each carbon atom, with bond angles of approximately 120 degrees due to the presence of the double bond.
3. Ethene is a crucial raw material in the production of polyethylene, one of the most widely used plastics in the world.
4. The double bond in ethene allows for addition reactions, where other atoms or groups can be added across the double bond, leading to various products.
5. Ethene plays a significant role in plant physiology as a hormone involved in regulating growth processes such as fruit ripening.

Review Questions

• How does the hybridization of carbon atoms in ethene affect its molecular geometry?
  • In ethene, each carbon atom undergoes sp² hybridization, resulting in three hybrid orbitals arranged in a trigonal planar geometry. This arrangement allows for the formation of strong sigma bonds with hydrogen atoms and facilitates the double bond between the two carbon atoms. The trigonal planar shape leads to bond angles of approximately 120 degrees, which influences the overall molecular shape and reactivity of ethene.
• Discuss how ethene's structure contributes to its reactivity compared to alkanes.
  • Ethene's structure, characterized by a carbon-carbon double bond, significantly increases its reactivity compared to alkanes, which only contain single bonds. The presence of the double bond creates regions of high electron density that can readily participate in chemical reactions such as addition reactions. This contrasts with alkanes, where only sigma bonds are present, making them generally more stable and less reactive under similar conditions.
• Evaluate the significance of ethene in industrial applications and biological processes, and how these uses reflect its unique properties.
  • Ethene's unique properties, particularly its ability to engage in addition reactions due to its double bond and its role as an important plant hormone, highlight its significance in both industrial applications and biological processes. In industry, ethene is vital for producing polyethylene and other plastics, showcasing its versatility as a building block for larger molecules. Biologically, as a hormone, ethene regulates processes like fruit ripening, demonstrating how its chemical structure directly influences its function within living organisms. This dual significance underscores the importance of understanding ethene's reactivity and behavior in different contexts.

Related terms

Alkene: A hydrocarbon that contains at least one carbon-carbon double bond, characterized by the general formula CₙH₂ₙ.

Hybridization:

The concept that describes the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals, which can explain the geometry and bonding properties of molecules.

Cis-Trans Isomerism: A type of stereoisomerism where the spatial arrangement of groups around a double bond can result in distinct isomers, influencing the physical properties of compounds.