What are alkenes commonly used for?

Alkenes are commonly used to produce polymers, which are large molecules made up of repeating units known as monomers. The double bond present in alkenes makes them highly reactive, allowing them to undergo polymerization reactions. In the process, many alkene molecules can join together to form long chains, resulting in various types of plastics and synthetic materials, such as polyethylene and polypropylene. These polymers have a wide range of applications, including packaging, textiles, and construction materials.

While alkenes may have roles in other areas, such as the production of solvents or specific dye compounds, their primary industrial significance lies in the production of polymers.