The general formula for Alkenes means that the number of hydrogen atoms in an alkene is double the number

of carbon atoms Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons. They contain a double covalent bond, which is shown as two lines between two of the carbon atoms. The presence of this double bond allows alkenes to react in ways that alkanes cannot. They can react with oxygen in the air, so they could be used as fuels. But they are more useful than that: they can be used to make ethanol and polymers (plastics) - two crucial products in today's world. The fatty acids in some vegetable oils are unsaturated: they have double bonds between some of their carbon atoms. Unsaturated oils tend to be liquid at room temperature, and are useful for frying food. They can be divided into two categories: monounsaturated fats have one double bond in each fatty acid polyunsaturated fats have many double bonds. Unsaturated fats are thought to be a healthier option in the diet than saturated fats.