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Multiple Choice

Select the incorrect statement regarding alkenes.

Alkenes are more reactive than alkanes because the carbon–carbon double bond contains a pi bond that is electron-rich and readily participates in reactions. This pi bond easily opens to allow additions, so alkenes readily react with hydrogen, halogens, water (via hydration), and other reagents, and they can undergo polymerization to form long chains. In contrast, alkanes lack a pi bond and the C–C and C–H sigma bonds are relatively inert, making many addition-type processes and polymerization impossible or much less favorable for them. Therefore, the statement claiming alkenes are less reactive than alkanes is not true. The other statements describe well-established behavior: alkenes can polymerize and undergo addition reactions.

Alkenes are more reactive than alkanes because the carbon–carbon double bond contains a pi bond that is electron-rich and readily participates in reactions. This pi bond easily opens to allow additions, so alkenes readily react with hydrogen, halogens, water (via hydration), and other reagents, and they can undergo polymerization to form long chains. In contrast, alkanes lack a pi bond and the C–C and C–H sigma bonds are relatively inert, making many addition-type processes and polymerization impossible or much less favorable for them. Therefore, the statement claiming alkenes are less reactive than alkanes is not true. The other statements describe well-established behavior: alkenes can polymerize and undergo addition reactions.