Nomenclature of Alkenes

• Similar to that of alkanes, except the ending of the root name corresponding to the longest continuous chain containing the double bond is changed from “ane” to “ene”. E.g. ethane becomes ethene, propane becomes propene, cyclohexane becomes cyclohexene.

• When a chain contains more than 3 carbons, a number is used give the position of the double bond. The chain is numbered starting from the end closest to the double bond. E.g.:

2-pentene

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