Question

Which class of hydrocarbon is saturated?

Short answer

Saturated hydrocarbons belong to the class called alkanes.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They are classified into two main categories: saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. Saturated hydrocarbons have only single bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated hydrocarbons contain double or triple bonds.

Identifying Saturated Hydrocarbons

Saturated hydrocarbons, also known as alkanes, have the general formula \(C_nH_{2n+2}\), where \(n\) is the number of carbon atoms. Alkanes are characterized by having only single covalent bonds (\(C-C\) and \(C-H\) bonds) between the atoms.

Conclusion about Saturated Hydrocarbons

Since saturated hydrocarbons contain only single bonds, they are also known as alkanes. Examples of alkanes include methane (\(CH_4\)), ethane (\(C_2H_6\)), and propane (\(C_3H_8\)).

Key concepts

Alkanes

Alkanes are a fundamental type of hydrocarbon in organic chemistry, characterized by their saturated nature, meaning they contain only single covalent bonds. These compounds are noted for their simplicity and stability. The general formula for alkanes is \(C_nH_{2n+2}\). This formula helps in determining the molecular structure of any alkanes based on the number of carbon atoms (\(n\)).

Some common examples are:

• Methane (\(CH_4\))
• Ethane (\(C_2H_6\))
• Propane (\(C_3H_8\))

These alkanes are the simplest forms and are often used as a starting point for studying more complex organic molecules. They're fully "saturated" with hydrogen, meaning no more hydrogen atoms can be added without breaking the structure of single bonds. Alkanes are usually found in natural gas and petroleum.

Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry is a vast and important branch of chemistry focused primarily on the study of carbon-containing compounds. Carbon's versatile nature allows it to form a wide variety of structures, from simple molecules like methane to large complex polymers and biological macromolecules.

The key areas of study include:

• Structure and properties of organic molecules
• Reactions and synthesis of different compounds
• The role of organic compounds in industry and biotechnology

Within organic chemistry, hydrocarbons, which are compounds solely made of hydrogen and carbon, make up the backbone of larger organic molecules. Understanding organic chemistry is crucial due to its applications in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and even materials science. It gives us the tools to synthesize new substances and understand the reactions of existing ones.

Single Covalent Bonds

Single covalent bonds are one of the most basic but crucial interactions in chemistry. They occur when two atoms share one pair of electrons. This stable configuration allows the atoms to adhere to each other, forming the backbone for various molecules, including saturated hydrocarbons such as alkanes.

Key characteristics include:

• Strong and stable bonds due to complete electron sharing
• Commonly found in organic compounds
• Allows rotation around the bond axis, giving flexibility in molecular structures

These bonds are integral to the structure of alkanes, where carbon atoms consecutively form single bonds creating a chain-like structure. Understanding how single covalent bonds work is essential for comprehending why alkanes behave the way they do, both chemically and physically. These interactions are fundamental to countless biological processes and industrial applications.