Question detail

What is the main reason alkenes are used as starting materials for many chemicals?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

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At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Carbon compounds as fuels and feedstock

Question

A. They are the most abundant component of crude oil
B. They are highly reactive due to their double bonds
C. They are inert and do not react with other substances
D. They have a very high melting point

Answer

The correct option is They are highly reactive due to their double bonds.

Explanation

The correct option is They are highly reactive due to their double bonds. They are highly reactive due to their double bonds is correct because it directly supports the approved learning objective to explain that alkenes are used to produce polymers and as starting materials for the production of many other chemicals. This belongs to Cracking and alkenes within Carbon compounds as fuels and feedstock, so the answer must use the correct organic chemistry context. The other options are incorrect when they confuse the organic family, formula type, reaction condition, product, or property being tested. Keep molecular formula, structural formula, displayed formula, and general formula distinct. Do not confuse alkanes with alkenes, saturated with unsaturated, cracking with combustion, polymers with monomers, or hydrocarbons with oxygen-containing alcohols and carboxylic acids. When formulae are used, preserve the stored notation exactly and explain the GCSE chemistry idea in words rather than using unsupported displayed-formula diagrams.

Common mistake

Alkenes are only used as fuels

Students often think alkenes are mainly used as fuels, forgetting their role in polymer production and as starting materials for many chemicals.

Explain that alkenes are highly reactive due to the C=C bond, making them ideal monomers for polymers (e.g., polyethylene, PVC) and key intermediates in synthesising a wide range of chemicals such as alcohols, acids, and plastics.

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