Alkene Hydrocarbon Structure Models

SKU: 68845NV

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Explore alkene molecular models to understand double bond geometry, cis/trans isomerism, and reactivity. Ideal for chemistry, biology, and MCAT preparation.

Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one carbon–carbon double bond (C=C) which changes molecular shape, reactivity, & physical properties. Alkenes are central to understanding addition reactions, Markovnikov’s rule, and polymerization. For biochemistry and biology students, alkenes appear in natural products, metabolic intermediates, and lipid structures, influencing membrane fluidity and signalling pathways. A hands-on alkene molecular model lets students visualize planar double bonds, compare cis/trans isomers, and see why restricted rotation around the C=C bond matters in biological function and industrial applications alike.

What Different Students Need to Know About the Alkene Functional Group

Audience Core Learning Goals Special Emphasis
Chemistry Majors
  • Understand the electronic structure and bond angles of C=C double bonds
  • Predict outcomes of addition reactions (electrophilic, radical, hydroboration–oxidation)
  • Identify cis/trans and E/Z isomers and their stability differences
  • Apply IUPAC nomenclature rules for alkenes
Focus on mechanistic pathways, stereochemistry, and reaction selectivity under controlled conditions
Biology / Medicine / Nursing Majors
  • Recognize alkenes as part of lipid tails in unsaturated fatty acids
  • Understand the role of cis double bonds in membrane fluidity
  • Relate alkene geometry to molecular recognition in hormones and signaling molecules
  • Link alkene oxidation to metabolism and disease processes
Emphasize structure–function relationships under physiological conditions

Important Learning Outcomes

  • For Chemistry Majors Should Be Able To:
    Apply IUPAC naming rules for simple and complex alkenes, including multiple double bonds.
    Predict and explain reaction mechanisms involving C=C bonds.
    Understand E/Z isomerism and its effect on molecular stability and reactivity.
  • Biology, Medicine, and Nursing Majors Should Be Able To:
    Relate cis/trans isomerism to biological activity (e.g., cis-fatty acids vs. trans fats).
    Understand how unsaturation affects lipid melting points and membrane behavior.
    Recognize alkene moieties in natural products, vitamins, and pharmaceuticals.

Features & Benefits of Orbit Student Molecular Model Set 68845NV for Teaching Alkenes

Features Benefits
Accurate representation of carbon–carbon double bonds Enables clear visualization of ?-bonding and restricted rotation
Color-coded atoms and realistic bond angles Helps students grasp geometry differences between alkenes and alkanes
Durable Orbit components Designed for long-lasting classroom and laboratory use
Supports cis/trans (E/Z) isomerism modeling Facilitates understanding of stereoisomerism and its biological relevance
Compatible with other Orbit molecular models Allows integration with other functional group models for reaction studies
Easy to assemble and reconfigure Encourages hands-on learning and quick comparison of structures

Indigo Instruments has stocked genuine Cochranes of Oxford molecular model parts for 30+ years. Customize or replenish any model set/kit we have ever sold!

Details

Key Alkene Examples for the Classroom

Compound Chemistry Focus Biology / Medicine / Nursing Focus
Ethene (Ethylene) Simple example of a C=C double bond; used to introduce concepts of π-bonding, planar geometry, and addition reactions. Plant hormone regulating fruit ripening and senescence; relevance in agriculture and food storage.
Propene Illustrates regioselectivity in addition reactions (Markovnikov’s rule); industrial monomer for polypropylene production. Indirect relevance through plastics used in medical devices, syringes, and sterile packaging.
1-Butene / 2-Butene Demonstrates structural (positional) isomerism and cis/trans stereoisomerism in alkenes. Highlights stereoisomerism’s role in drug design, molecular recognition, and biological activity.
Isoprene (2-Methyl-1,3-butadiene) Key monomer in natural rubber; demonstrates conjugated alkene reactivity and stability. Building block in biosynthesis of terpenes and steroids; importance in natural product chemistry and pharmacology.
β-Carotene Example of an extended conjugated alkene system; absorbs visible light leading to coloration. Precursor to vitamin A; crucial for vision and immune system health.

 

The Orbit Student Molecular Model Set 68845NV can build a variety of simple linear alkenes including: ethene (C2H4), propene (C3H6), butene (C4H8), pentene (C5H10), hexene (C6H12), heptene (C7H14), octene (C8H16) up to nonene (C9H18) & their isomers. Longer alkenes of 9 to 20 carbons are listed below but require extra atoms to build them.

Longer, straight chain alkenes with 9 to 20 carbons include: decene (C10H20), undecene (C11H22), dodecene (C12H24), tridecene (C13H26), tetradecene (C14H28), pentadecene (C15H30), hexadecene (C16H32, heptadecene (C17H34), octadecene (C18H36), nonadecene (C19H38). Enter these compounds into the Indigo® Instruments 3D Molecular Model Builder (use Orbit Basic Style) to determine how many extra bonds & atoms you will need to build them.

Alkenes with 2 double bonds are called dienes of which there are 3 types, cumulated, conjugated & isolated. These consist of 2 pairs of double bonded carbon atoms that are adjacent, separated by a single bond or by 2 single bonds are more. Examples of these are 2,3-pentadiene, 1,3 pentadiene & 1,4 pentadiene respectively.

 

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Reviews (5)
2020-09-10
This model kit is great for improving knowledge of molecular structures for organic chemistry.
— Jan
2020-05-31
I bought the product for a university class and it met expectations. Great service and fast shipping.
— Miri
— Indigo: Thank you for the review. Good luck this term.
2019-09-23
Great product, fast shipping, excellent customer service!
— Courtney
2019-08-15
Bought two of these because I prefer them to the one used at the university. Easy to use and has a good flexibility.
— Thierry
2018-04-16

I've had consistently great service from this company. Our students seem to really appreciate the reasonable price. In the years that we've used this product, not one has been returned due to defects.

— Becki
— Indigo:

Considering how many of these we sell to schools every year, that is high praise indeed. Thanks letting us know.

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