The chemical formula "CₙH₂ₙ₋₂" represents a class of hydrocarbons known as alkenes. These compounds contain carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms, where "n" indicates the number of carbon atoms. Alkenes are characterized by having at least one double bond between carbon atoms, which gives them unique properties and reactivity compared to alkanes, which have only single bonds. Alkenes are commonly found in various natural and synthetic substances. They play a crucial role in the production of plastics, fuels, and other chemicals. The simplest alkene, ethylene (C₂H₄), is widely used in the agricultural industry for ripening fruits and in the manufacturing of polyethylene, a common plastic.