Saturated and Unsaturated Hydro Carbons


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Saturated and Unsaturated Hydro Carbons

Saturated Hydrocarbons: 

Hydrocarbons in which the four valencies of each carbon atom present in the molecule are fully satisfied are known as saturated hydrocarbons. In other words, the hydrocarbons, in which the carbon atoms are connected only by single bonds are called saturated hydrocarbons. For example, methane  (CH_4) ethane (C_2H_6), propane (C_3H_8) and butane (C_4H_1_0) are saturated hydrocarbons. 

Saturated hydrocarbons are also called paraffins or alkanes. They are represented by the general formula C_nH_2_n+2, when  n = number of carbon atoms in a molecule of the alkane.

When n = 1, the alkane is methane  (CH_4).

When n=2, the alkane is ethane (C_2H_6) and so on. 

The first three members of the alkane series are listed below along with their molecular formulae and boiling 

Name Condensed formula Molecular formula Boiling Point (^oC)
Methane CH_4 CH_4 - 164
Ethane CH_3CH_3 C_2H_6 - 89
Propane  CH_3CH_2CH_3 C_3H_5 - 45
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Sample Questions
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Question : 1

Which of the following are correct :

(a) Methane, CH4 is a saturated hydrocarbon.

(b) Saturated hydrocarbons are also called paraffins or alkanes.

(c) Alkenes are represented by the general formula, C_nH_2_n.

Right Option : D
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Question : 2

Which of the following is/are an Saturated hydrocarbon ?

Right Option : D
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Question : 3

Which of the following is an unsaturated hydrocarbon ?

Right Option : A
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