As a chemistry expert with a focus on organic compounds, I can provide an in-depth analysis of why alkenes are more reactive than alkanes.

Alkenes are a class of hydrocarbons that contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond. The general formula for alkenes is \( C_nH_{2n} \), where \( n \) is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The carbon-carbon double bond in alkenes is denoted by \( C=C \), which is a significant factor in their reactivity compared to alkanes.

Alkanes, on the other hand, are saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula \( C_nH_{2n+2} \). They consist entirely of single bonds (\( C-C \) and \( C-H \)) and are generally less reactive due to the stability of these single bonds.

### The Nature of the Double Bond

The carbon-carbon double bond in alkenes consists of one sigma (\( \sigma \)) bond and one pi (\( \pi \)) bond. The sigma bond is formed by the head-on overlap of orbitals, which is strong and stable. However, the pi bond, which is formed by the side-by-side overlap of p-orbitals, is less stable and more exposed to interactions with other molecules.

### Reactivity of Alkenes

The reactivity of alkenes can be attributed to several factors:


1. Presence of the Pi Bond: The pi bond, being less stable than the sigma bond, is more susceptible to reactions. It is also more accessible to reagents due to its orientation above and below the plane of the molecule.


2. Electron Density: Alkenes have a higher electron density in the pi bond, making them more nucleophilic and susceptible to electrophilic attacks.


3. Catalytic Properties: The double bond can act as a catalyst for reactions, facilitating the formation of new bonds and the breaking of old ones.


4. Steric Factors: Alkenes can undergo a variety of reactions due to their ability to adopt different conformations, which can expose the pi bond to different reagents.


5. Reaction Types: Alkenes are known to participate in a wide range of reactions, such as electrophilic addition, oxidation, halogenation, and polymerization, which are not typical for alkanes.

### Comparison with Alkanes

In contrast, alkanes are characterized by their stability due to the complete saturation of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms, and the lack of any double or triple bonds. The single bonds in alkanes are strong and do not readily participate in reactions, making them less reactive.

### Conclusion

In summary, the alkenes are more reactive than alkanes primarily due to the presence of the carbon-carbon double bond, which includes a less stable pi bond that is more susceptible to interactions with other molecules. This, combined with the higher electron density and the ability to undergo various reactions, makes alkenes significantly more reactive than their alkane counterparts.

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Yes, alkenes are more reactive. This is due to the properties of the carbon-carbon bond. In alkanes there is a single bond, denoted as . ... At first thought, it seems that double must be stronger than single but in fact, due to the nature of the bond, it is more reactive than a -bond.read more >>