Allene

/ˈæl.iːn/ noun

Definition

A type of organic chemical compound with a carbon atom bonded to two other carbon atoms through double bonds, creating a linear structure.

Etymology

Named after the structure of allene (propadiene), from German allene, derived from analyzing molecular structure. The term was created in the mid-19th century as chemistry developed systematic naming conventions.

Kelly Says

Allenes are the asymmetric cousins of alkenes—they're so geometrically unusual that they can exist in mirror-image forms that have completely different properties, which chemists use to solve complex synthesis puzzles!

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