What is the Difference Between Saturated and Unsaturated Hydrocarbons?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons lies in the types of bonds that link the carbon atoms within the molecules. Here are the key differences between the two:
- Bond Types: Saturated hydrocarbons contain only single covalent bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated hydrocarbons contain at least one double or triple covalent bond between carbon atoms.
- Classification: Saturated hydrocarbons are also known as alkanes, while unsaturated hydrocarbons are classified into two categories: alkenes and alkynes.
- Reactivity: Saturated hydrocarbons are generally less reactive than unsaturated hydrocarbons due to the π-electron density in the double or triple bonds of unsaturated hydrocarbons.
- Combustion: Saturated hydrocarbons burn with a blue flame, while unsaturated hydrocarbons burn with a sooty flame.
- Chemical Reactions: Saturated hydrocarbons undergo substitution reactions, whereas unsaturated hydrocarbons undergo addition reactions.
- Bonding: Free rotation is not possible around carbon-carbon double bonds in unsaturated hydrocarbons due to the presence of π-bonds.
Additionally, saturated hydrocarbons often have a lower amount of carbon and a higher amount of hydrogen compared to unsaturated hydrocarbons. They also have different origins: saturated hydrocarbons are obtained from fossilized plant and animal materials, while unsaturated hydrocarbons are derived from plants.
Comparative Table: Saturated vs Unsaturated Hydrocarbons
Here is a table that highlights the differences between saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons:
Saturated Hydrocarbons | Unsaturated Hydrocarbons |
---|---|
Carbon-carbon bonds are all single bonds | Carbon-carbon bonds can be single, double, or triple bonds |
Also called alkanes | Not classified by a specific name |
Less reactive and more stable due to the presence of only single bonds | More reactive than saturated hydrocarbons because of the presence of double or triple bonds |
Examples: methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), and butane (C4H10) | Examples: ethene (C2H4) and ethyne (C2H2) |
Both saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting of hydrogen and carbon atoms. The main difference between them lies in the types of carbon-carbon bonds they contain. Saturated hydrocarbons have only single carbon-carbon bonds, while unsaturated hydrocarbons have at least one double or triple carbon-carbon bond.
- Saturated vs Unsaturated
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