What Is an Olefin in Chemistry?

Fruit that's typically treated with olefins
••• fruit image by Henryk Olszewski from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Olefins belong to a family of organic compounds called hydrocarbons. They consist of different molecular combinations of the two elements, carbon and hydrogen. Another name for an olefin is an alkene. Alkenes contain one or more double bonds between the carbon atoms of the molecule.

Atomic Structure

Structure of an atom
••• atom image by Oleg Verbitsky from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Each element is an atom that contains different numbers of protons, neutrons and electrons. Protons and neutrons live in the central nucleus of the atom, while electrons move around the nucleus in defined patterns called orbits. The element hydrogen has only one orbiting electron, while the element carbon has six. Electrons form pairs and live in different orbits around the nucleus. Stable atoms have all electrons paired and orbitals full.

Molecular Formation

Unpaired electrons attract other atoms that have unpaired electrons in order to gain another electron and become stable. Unpaired electrons live in the highest energy level and are called valence electrons. Hydrogen has one valence electron while carbon has four. Atoms share their valence electrons with other atoms and bond together, forming a molecule. Several types of bonds exist.

Double Bonds

In molecules of olefin, two of the carbon atoms form a double bond with each other by sharing their valence electrons with each other instead of sharing with an atom of hydrogen. Different molecular structures form, depending on where the double bonds occur. The simplest olefin compound has a carbon double bond and four hydrogen single bonds. Two hydrogen atoms bond with each of the carbon atoms on the side opposite the double bond.

Chains and Rings

Fruit is treated with olefins before sent to the market
••• fruits image by cherie from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Olefins form different compounds based on their structure. Some have short chains with only two, three or four carbons, such as ethylene. Others form long chains or closed ring structures. Some have a combination of both.

Chemical Properties

Alkenes are insoluble and exist in all three states of matter. Some short chain alkenes are gases at room temperature and pressure. More complicated structures exist as liquids and solids.

Uses

The beta-carotene in carrots is an alkene.
••• carrot image by Andrzej W&#322;odarczyk from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Olefins, or alkenes, form naturally in many living things. According to Bruce Hathaway’s book, Organic Chemistry, the nutrient beta-carotene is a natural olefin found in carrots. It contains a chain of carbon atoms doubly and singly bonded together with a ring structure close to either end. The simple olefin, ethylene, promotes the ripening of fruit. Their largest commercial application of olefins comes in the petroleum industry, where they are used to make high-octane gasoline.

Related Articles

What Is a Hydrocarbon Chain?
What Are the Processes by Which Macromolecules Are...
The Difference Between CO2 and O2
Which Type of Lipid Is Classified as a Ring Structure?
What Are the Two Major Components of an Atom?
What is an Organic Compound?
Which Is Single-Celled: Prokaryotes or Eukaryotes?
Elements of Nucleic Acids
How Do Atoms Come Together to Form Molecules?
Difference Between a Halogen & a Halide
What Type of Bond Joins Two Hydrogen Atoms?
What Dissolves Oil?
Difference Between Phosphates & Sulphates
What Is the Process of Joining Small Molecules Together...
What Is Urethane?
What Elements Make Up Glucose?
What Are the Monomers of Triglycerides?
How to Calculate the Number of Isomers
The Most Common Organic Molecules in Cells
Why Are Lipids Insoluble in Water?