What is the Difference Between Cyclohexane and Cyclohexene?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Cyclohexane and cyclohexene are both organic compounds consisting of hydrocarbons, but they have different structural properties and chemical characteristics. The main differences between them are:

  1. Structure: Cyclohexane is a cyclic

Comparative Table: Cyclohexane vs Cyclohexene

Here is a table comparing the differences between cyclohexane and cyclohexene:

Property Cyclohexane Cyclohexene
Chemical Formula C6H12 C6H10
Type of Compound Cyclic Alkane Cyclic Alkene
Number of Double Bonds 0 1
Stability More stable, less reactive Less stable, more reactive
IR Spectroscopy No medium stretch (1550-1650 cm⁻¹) Medium stretch (1550-1650 cm⁻¹)

Cyclohexane is a cyclic saturated hydrocarbon, meaning it has only single bonds between the carbon atoms in the ring structure. On the other hand, cyclohexene is a cyclic unsaturated hydrocarbon with one double bond present in the ring structure. This double bond makes cyclohexene less stable and more reactive than cyclohexane.

To distinguish between cyclohexane and cyclohexene using IR spectroscopy, identify the presence or absence of a medium stretch between 1550-1650 cm⁻¹. Cyclohexene will possess this medium stretch, while cyclohexane will not.