Alkenes can be used to make polymers . Polymers are very large molecules made when many smaller, reactive molecules join together, end to end.

Why can alkenes be polymerized?

During the addition polymerization process, the pi bonds of the double bonds in each alkene molecule sort of break open, thereby allowing the free bonds to join with one another to form a chain known as poly(alkene) or polythene.

Can alkanes be polymerized?

In chemical compounds, polymerization can occur via a variety of reaction mechanisms that vary in complexity due to the functional groups present in the reactants and their inherent steric effects. ... Alkanes can also be polymerized, but only with the help of strong acids.