Compounds that contain the group >C=C=C<, in which three carbon atoms are linked by two adjacent double bonds. The outer carbon atoms are each linked to two other atoms or groups by single bonds. The simplest example is 1,2-propadiene, CH2CCH2 . Allenes are dienes with typical reactions of alkenes. Under basic conditions. they often convert to alkynes. In an allene, the two double bonds lie in planes that are perpendicular to each other. Consequently, in an allene of the type R1R2C:C:CR3R4, the groups R1 and R2 lie in a plane perpendicular to the plane containing R3 and R4.
