Rodriguez, Kevin M. BSMT2-B

Uses of Alkenes

Alkenes are extremely important in the manufacture of plastics. All plastics are in some way related to alkenes. The names of some plastics (Polythene or Poly Ethene, Polypropene), relate to their alkene partners.

Lower alkenes are used as fuel and illuminant. These may be obtained by the cracking of kerosene or petrol.

As raw materials for the manufacture of industrial Chemicals such as alcohols, aldehydes, and etc.

For the manufacture of a wide variety of polymers, e.g., polyethene, polyvinylchloride (PVC) and teflon etc.

Alkenes are also used for artificial ripening of fruits.

A general anesthetic. Making poisonous mustard gas

(War gas). Ethylene-oxygen flame.

Uses of Alkynes

Acetylene is used in oxy-acetylene torch. When acetylene is burnt in sufficient oxygen we can get the temperature of around 3000oC which can be used to melt and join the metal parts.

Chlorinated acetylene is used as solvent. Similarly acetylene is a starting material in the synthesis of polyvinyl chloride and polyacrylo nitrile which are used as polymers

Alkyne carbanions are very good nucleophiles and can be used to attack carbonyl compounds, alkyl halides to give addition product and thus they are important material in the chain expansion of organic compounds.

Illumination of cycle lamps, hawker's lamps and buoys in light houses.

Artificial ripening of fruits and vegetables.

The manufacture of Hydrogen. The manufacture of plastics

and a number of other organic compounds.

Sources:http://alkenes.wordpress.com/2010/01/31/uses-of-alkenes/http://chemistry.tutorvista.com/organic-chemistry/alkyne.htmlhttp://www.oocities.org/nepalorganic/alkyne.htm