Translation guide
In Japanese, 'alkene' is a technical chemistry term. The standard translation is アルケン, a loanword from English. The native Japanese term オレフィン (from 'olefin') is also used, but アルケン is more common in modern contexts. This entry covers how to refer to alkenes in scientific and everyday settings.
Referring to the class of hydrocarbons containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond, with the general formula CₙH₂ₙ.
The most common and standard term in modern Japanese chemistry. Used in textbooks, academic papers, and industry.
In modern academic and educational settings, アルケン is preferred. オレフィン is still encountered in industrial contexts (e.g., 'olefin plant' → オレフィンプラント) and older texts. When in doubt, use アルケン.
エチレンは最も単純なアルケンです。
Ethylene is the simplest alkene.
I am researching reactions of alkenes.
An older term derived from 'olefin', still used in some industrial contexts (e.g., petrochemicals) and older literature. Less common in modern academic chemistry.
Olefinic hydrocarbons are important in petrochemistry.
Plural or collective form meaning 'alkenes' as a class. Used when emphasizing the group of compounds.
Alkenes readily undergo addition reactions.