Why is alkene more reactive than alkane?

Alkene are more reactive than alkane. First of all, we will discuss about alkane and alkene.

What is alkene?

An alkene is the unsaturated hydrocarbon that contains one or more carbon-carbon double bond, i.e., C=C. The general formula of alkene is C_nH_2n.

What is alkane?

An alkane is the saturated hydrocarbon that contains only single bond between carbon atoms, i.e., C-C. The general formula of alkane is C_nH_2n+2.

How is alkene more reactive than alkane?

Alkenes have double bond between carbon atoms, i.e., one sigma and one pi-bond. Carbon atoms in alkene contain sp²-sp² hybridized orbital bonding (sigma bond) which is stronger than pi-bond. The pi-bond can be easily broken to free the valence shell electrons for combining with other atoms and hence reaction occurs at C=C site.

Alkanes have no pi-bonds between the carbon atoms. They only have a sp³-sp³ hybridized orbital bonding (sigma bond). Sigma bond requires more energy to break, hence cannot reacts easily.

Hence, it is clear that alkenes are more reactive than alkanes.

Reactivity order: Alkynes > Alkenes > Alkanes

Read More: Why is peroxide effect applicable to HBr only?

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