What is the main characteristic of a diene?

A diene is characterized by the presence of two double bonds in its molecular structure. This definition is crucial in organic chemistry because dienes can participate in various reactions, including addition reactions and polymerization processes, that single-bonded alkenes or alkanes cannot.

The presence of these two double bonds in a diene allows for greater reactivity and introduces unique properties compared to other types of hydrocarbons. Understanding the structure and reactivity of dienes is fundamental in organic chemistry, as they serve as important intermediates in synthesis and various chemical reactions.

In contrast, hydrocarbons containing only one double bond would be classified as alkenes, and those with only single bonds would be alkanes. Therefore, the defining feature of a diene, specifically having two double bonds, underlines its distinct classification within organic compounds.