What is the difference between ethene, ethyne, ethylene, and acetylene?

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Detailed Solution

Name	Same as	Formula	Family	Bonds	Hybridization / Angle	Notes & Uses
Ethene	Ethylene (common name)	C₂H₄	Alkene	one C=C double bond	sp², ~120°	Plant hormone; massive feedstock for polyethylene, ethanol, ethylene oxide.
Ethyne	Acetylene (common name)	C₂H₂	Alkyne	one C≡C triple bond	sp, 180° (linear)	Very reactive; used in oxy-acetylene welding, chemical synthesis.
Ethylene	Ethene (IUPAC name is “ethene”)	C₂H₄	Alkene	C=C	sp², ~120°	Same substance as ethene—just the older/common name.
Acetylene	Ethyne (IUPAC name is “ethyne”)	C₂H₂	Alkyne	C≡C	sp, 180°	Same substance as ethyne—just the older/common name.