BRAINCAKESaturated and Unsaturated Hydrocarbons
A saturated hydrocarbon contains only single bonds between its carbon atoms. Each carbon atom is bonded to as many hydrogen atoms as possible, so no more atoms can be added to the molecule. The alkanes are saturated, with the general formula CnH2n+2, for example hexane, C6H14.
An unsaturated hydrocarbon contains at least one carbon-carbon multiple bond, usually a C=C double bond. The alkenes are unsaturated. An open-chain alkene with one double bond has the general formula CnH2n, for example hex-1-ene, C6H12.
Comparing formulae shows the difference: each C=C double bond means the molecule has two fewer hydrogen atoms than the alkane with the same number of carbon atoms.
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Key terms in this lesson
- addition reaction
- A reaction in which two molecules join to form a single product, typically across a C=C double bond.
More in Introduction to Organic Chemistry
- Hydrocarbons
- Cyclic Compounds
- Types of Formulae
- Functional Groups
- Homologous Series
- Naming Organic Compounds
- Practice Question - 1
- Practice Question - 2
All 13 lessons in Introduction to Organic Chemistry · All Edexcel AS-level Chemistry topics