Key Stage 3
Meaning
Ethene is a gaseous (at room temperature) hydrocarbon with chemical formula C2H4.
About Ethene
- Ethene is hydrocarbon because it contains only Hydrogen and Carbon atoms.
- Ethene can be oxidised to produce Carbon Dioxide and Water.
- Ethene + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Ethene is a gaseous (STP) alkene with chemical formula C2H4.
About Ethene
| Chemical Formula (CnH2n) | Structural Formula | Structural Diagram | Ball and Stick Model |
| C2H4 | CH2CH2 |  |
 |
- Ethene is hydrocarbon because it contains only Hydrogen and Carbon atoms.
- Ethene has a double bond between the two Carbon atoms.
- Ethene is described as 'unsaturated' due to the double bond as it is not completely 'saturated' by Hydrogen atoms like Ethane.
- Ethene can be oxidised to produce Carbon Dioxide and Water.
- Ethene + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water
- <chem>C2H4 + 3O2 -> 2CO2 + 2H2O</chem>