Chemistry
Answer
Hydrocarbons are compounds that are made up of only carbon and hydrogen atoms.
| Saturated Hydrocarbons | Unsaturated Hydrocarbons |
|---|---|
| All the four valencies of each carbon atom are satisfied by forming single covalent bonds with carbon and with hydrogen atoms. | The valencies of at least two carbon atoms are not fully satisfied by the hydrogen atoms. |
| Carbon atoms are joined only by a single covalent bond. | Carbon atoms are joined by double covalent bonds >C=C< or triple covalent bonds -C≡C- |
| They are less reactive due to the non-availability of electrons in the single covalent bonds, and therefore they undergo substitution reaction. | They are more reactive due to the presence of electrons in the double or the triple bond, and therefore undergo addition reaction. |
Related Questions
Write any four properties of organic compounds that distinguish them from inorganic compounds.
Why are organic compounds studied as a separate branch of chemistry?
Give reason for the existence of the large number of organic compounds.
Give at least one example in each case to show the structure of:
(a) Single bond compound
(b) Double bond compound
(c) Triple bond compound