What does olefinic mean?
Olefinic is an adjective used in chemistry to describe something associated with an olefin, particularly an alkene containing a carbon–carbon double bond. It appears in technical discussions of organic reactions, catalysts, monomers, polymers, and chemical intermediates. For example, a reaction may proceed through an olefinic intermediate, or a material may be described as having olefinic bonds. The term is especially common in polymer and industrial chemistry, where the presence and behaviour of carbon–carbon double bonds are important. In general writing, “alkenic” or “unsaturated” may be more accessible, although “olefinic” can be preferable when the focus is specifically on olefin chemistry.
adjectiveRelating to or characteristic of an olefin, especially an alkene containing one or more carbon–carbon double bonds.
- Relating to olefins or alkenes, especially to compounds containing carbon–carbon double bonds.
"The reaction proceeded through an olefinic intermediate."
"The catalyst promotes olefinic polymerization."
"Spectroscopic analysis was used to identify the olefinic bonds in the material."
“Olefinic” is the specialist term for describing a carbon–carbon double bond, the structural feature that makes many organic compounds reactive.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does olefinic come from?
“Olefinic” is derived from “olefin,” a term for a hydrocarbon containing a carbon–carbon double bond. “Olefin” was coined in the 19th century from “olefiant gas,” an older name for ethylene, combining the element symbol for carbon with the Latin word olefiant, meaning “olefies” or “producing oil.” The suffix “-ic” forms the adjective “olefinic,” which is related to cognates such as “ethylene” and “ethene.”
Related word forms
How olefinic is actually used
This is a specialized chemistry term, used mainly in organic chemistry, polymer science, and related technical fields. It is less common in general speech than “alkenic” or “unsaturated.”