2buten

2-Butene is an alkene with the chemical formula C4H8. It is a colorless gas at room temperature and pressure. 2-Butene exists as two geometric isomers: cis-2-butene and trans-2-butene. The difference lies in the spatial arrangement of the hydrogen atoms on the double bond. In cis-2-butene, the hydrogen atoms are on the same side of the double bond, while in trans-2-butene, they are on opposite sides. This difference in geometry leads to distinct physical properties, such as boiling points.

Both cis- and trans-2-butene are flammable and can be found in small quantities in natural gas. They are produced industrially through various processes, including the cracking of petroleum hydrocarbons and the dehydration of 2-butanol. These isomers are important intermediates in the chemical industry. For example, they can be hydrogenated to produce butane or oxidized to form butanone (methyl ethyl ketone). 2-Butene is also used in the synthesis of various organic compounds and polymers.