Question

Alkenes are commonly known as ______.

Options

• Paraffine

• Olefins

Answer 1

Alkenes are commonly known as olefins.

Explanation:

Alkenes are commonly known as olefins (derived from the latin oleum faciens, meaning “oil-forming”) because their lower members, like ethene, react with halogens to produce oily liquids. In contrast, alkanes are called paraffins because of their low chemical reactivity. This oil-forming ability of alkenes is a key distinguishing feature in organic chemistry nomenclature.