Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds

Intro to Hydrocarbons

GOB Chemistry

13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds

Intro to Hydrocarbons

Previous problemNext problem

Problem 30a

Textbook Question

What do the terms saturated and unsaturated mean?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that the terms 'saturated' and 'unsaturated' are used to describe the types of bonds in organic molecules, particularly hydrocarbons.

Recognize that a 'saturated' hydrocarbon contains only single bonds between carbon atoms. This means each carbon atom is bonded to as many hydrogen atoms as possible, following the general formula C_nH_{2n+2} for alkanes.

Identify that an 'unsaturated' hydrocarbon contains one or more double or triple bonds between carbon atoms. This reduces the number of hydrogen atoms in the molecule compared to a saturated hydrocarbon.

Note that unsaturated hydrocarbons can be further classified into alkenes, which have at least one double bond (C=C), and alkynes, which have at least one triple bond (C≡C).

Remember that the presence of double or triple bonds in unsaturated hydrocarbons affects their chemical reactivity and physical properties, such as boiling and melting points.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Saturated Compounds

Saturated compounds are organic molecules that contain only single bonds between carbon atoms. This means that each carbon atom is bonded to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible, resulting in a structure that is 'saturated' with hydrogen. Common examples include alkanes, such as ethane and propane, which are typically found in fuels and fats.

Unsaturated Compounds

Unsaturated compounds contain one or more double or triple bonds between carbon atoms, which means they do not hold the maximum number of hydrogen atoms. This results in a more reactive structure compared to saturated compounds. Examples include alkenes, like ethylene, and alkynes, like acetylene, which are important in various chemical reactions and industrial applications.

Hydrocarbon Structure

The structure of hydrocarbons, which are compounds made solely of carbon and hydrogen, is fundamental to understanding saturation. Hydrocarbons can be classified as either saturated or unsaturated based on the types of bonds present. This classification affects their physical properties, reactivity, and roles in biological systems, making it essential for fields like organic chemistry and biochemistry.

Watch next

Master Intro to Hydrocarbons Concept 1 with a bite sized video explanation from Jules

Start learning