Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Cyclobutene is an organic compound with a ring structure consisting of four carbon atoms and one double bond between two adjacent carbons. It is often used as a starting material in organic synthesis reactions.
Related terms
Alkene: An alkene is a type of hydrocarbon that contains at least one carbon-carbon double bond. Cyclobutene is an example of an alkene.
Isomerization: Isomerization is the process in which the atoms within a molecule are rearranged to form different structural isomers while maintaining the same molecular formula. Cyclobutene can undergo isomerization reactions to form other compounds with different arrangements of atoms.
Electrophile: An electrophile is a species that seeks electron-rich areas in chemical reactions. In certain reactions, cyclobutene can act as an electrophile and react with nucleophiles.