Which statement describes an alkene?

Which statement describes an alkene?

• A. carbon-carbon triple bond
• B. C-O-C
• C. C=C (double bond)
• D. C≡N

Answer: (C)

Alkenes are hydrocarbons defined by a carbon–carbon double bond. That double bond is the key feature because it makes the molecule unsaturated and changes its reactivity compared with single bonds. The double bond involves a sigma bond and a pi bond, and the carbons are typically sp2 hybridized, giving a planar arrangement with about 120-degree angles. Other common patterns—such as a carbon–carbon triple bond (alkynes), a C–O–C linkage (ethers), or a C≡N group (nitriles)—describe different types of compounds. Therefore, the statement that shows a C=C double bond correctly describes an alkene.

Alkenes are hydrocarbons defined by a carbon–carbon double bond. That double bond is the key feature because it makes the molecule unsaturated and changes its reactivity compared with single bonds. The double bond involves a sigma bond and a pi bond, and the carbons are typically sp2 hybridized, giving a planar arrangement with about 120-degree angles. Other common patterns—such as a carbon–carbon triple bond (alkynes), a C–O–C linkage (ethers), or a C≡N group (nitriles)—describe different types of compounds. Therefore, the statement that shows a C=C double bond correctly describes an alkene.