2Butene
2-Butene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon in the alkene family with the formula C4H8. Its structure features a carbon–carbon double bond between the second and third carbons of a four‑carbon chain, giving CH3‑CH=CH‑CH3. The compound exists as two geometric isomers: cis-2-butene (Z-2-butene) and trans-2-butene (E-2-butene). These stereoisomers arise from restricted rotation about the double bond and exhibit different physical properties and reactivity. In cis-2-butene, the two methyl groups are on the same side of the double bond; in trans-2-butene, they are on opposite sides.
Industrially, 2-butene is produced as part of refinery streams and can be formed by dehydrogenation of butane
Reactions of 2-butene include typical alkene additions. Hydrogenation converts it to butane; halogenation adds across the
Safety note: 2-butene is flammable, and its vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. It should be