How do you draw the structural formula of ethene?

To draw the structural formula of ethene, you sketch two carbon atoms connected by a double bond, each bonded to two hydrogen atoms.

Ethene, also known as ethylene, is a hydrocarbon with the molecular formula C2H4. It is the simplest alkene, a type of hydrocarbon where carbon atoms are connected by double bonds. The structural formula of ethene is drawn by first sketching two carbon atoms. These two carbon atoms are connected by a double bond, which is represented by two parallel lines. This double bond is what classifies ethene as an alkene.

Next, you need to add the hydrogen atoms. Each carbon atom in ethene is bonded to two hydrogen atoms. These bonds are single bonds and are represented by a single line. You draw these by sketching a line from each carbon atom to a hydrogen atom. In total, you should have four hydrogen atoms, two bonded to each carbon atom.

The final structural formula of ethene should look like this: H2C=CH2. The double bond between the carbon atoms is represented by the equals sign, and the single bonds to the hydrogen atoms are represented by the single lines. This formula shows that each carbon atom is bonded to one other carbon atom and two hydrogen atoms, making up the four bonds that carbon typically forms.

Remember, when drawing structural formulas, it's important to show all the atoms and bonds in the molecule. This helps to give a clear picture of the molecule's structure and can help you understand its properties and reactions. In the case of ethene, the double bond between the carbon atoms is particularly important, as it's this feature that gives alkenes their characteristic chemical behaviour.