Question

Distinguish between the following:

Saturated hydrocarbons and Unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Answer 1

Saturated hydrocarbons:

1. In saturated hydrocarbons, the carbon atoms are linked to each other only by single covalent bonds. 

2. They contain only a single bond. 

3. They are chemically less reactive. 

4. Substitution reaction is a characteristic property of these hydrocarbons. 

5. Their general formula is C_nH_{2n + 2}.

Unsaturated hydrocarbons:

1. In unsaturated hydrocarbons, the valencies of carbon atoms are not fully satisfied by single covalent bonds. 

2. They contain carbon to carbon double or triple bonds. 

3. They are chemically more reactive. 

4. Addition reaction is a characteristic property of these hydrocarbons. 

5. Their general formula is C_nH_2n or C_nH_{2n - 2}