Understanding the Difference Between Saturated and Unsaturated Hydrocarbons

Saturated hydrocarbons contain only single bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated hydrocarbons contain at least one double or triple bond between carbon atoms. This results in differences in physical properties and chemical reactivity. In saturated hydrocarbons, all carbon atoms are bonded to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms, making them very stable. On the other hand, unsaturated hydrocarbons are more reactive due to the presence of double or triple bonds. Understanding these differences is crucial in comprehending the behavior of hydrocarbons in various chemical reactions.