Question

Why does an alkene decolorize bromine water?

Answer 1

Alkene:

1. Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one double bond between two carbon atoms.
2. Olefins are a term used to designate alkenes. Because of the double bond, alkenes are more reactive than alkanes.

Reason for Alkene Decolorize Bromine Water:

When Br₂/CCl₄ is added to the alkene, the reddish-brown colour of bromine is discharged due to the formation of colourless vic dibromide.

Therefore, this reaction is used for the detection of unsaturation in an organic molecule.