How are alkenes used to make polymers?
Alkenes are used to make polymers through a process called polymerization, where the double bond in the alkene is used to form the backbone of the polymer chain. By initiating polymerization reactions with catalysts, heat, or light, alkenes can be linked together to form long chains of repeating units, creating various types of synthetic polymers. Examples include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene.