Alkanes are also referred to as saturated hydrocarbons. Explain the meaning of the term hydrocarbon. Why are alkanes called saturated hydrocarbons?

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1. Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They are the simplest type of organic compounds and can be classified into different categories based on the types of bonds between the carbon atoms.
2. Alkanes are a type of hydrocarbon where all the carbon-carbon bonds are single bonds. This means that each carbon atom is bonded to as many hydrogen atoms as possible, following the general formula C_nH_{2n+2}.
3. The term 'saturated' in saturated hydrocarbons refers to the fact that the carbon atoms are fully 'saturated' with hydrogen atoms. There are no double or triple bonds between the carbon atoms, which would reduce the number of hydrogen atoms that can attach to the carbon chain.
4. In alkanes, each carbon atom forms four single covalent bonds, either with other carbon atoms or with hydrogen atoms, ensuring that the molecule is 'saturated' with hydrogen.
5. The lack of double or triple bonds in alkanes makes them relatively less reactive compared to unsaturated hydrocarbons, such as alkenes and alkynes, which contain double or triple carbon-carbon bonds.

Key Concepts

Hydrocarbon

A hydrocarbon is a chemical compound composed exclusively of hydrogen and carbon atoms. These compounds can be found in various forms, including gases, liquids, and solids, and are the primary constituents of fossil fuels. Hydrocarbons serve as a fundamental building block in organic chemistry and are categorized into different classes, such as alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes, based on the types of bonds between carbon atoms.

Saturated Hydrocarbons

Saturated hydrocarbons, also known as alkanes, are hydrocarbons in which all carbon-carbon bonds are single bonds. This saturation means that each carbon atom is bonded to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible, resulting in a stable structure. The general formula for saturated hydrocarbons is CnH2n+2, where 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms, indicating that they cannot accommodate any more hydrogen atoms without breaking a bond.

Alkanes

Alkanes are a specific category of saturated hydrocarbons characterized by their single carbon-carbon bonds and the general formula CnH2n+2. They are the simplest type of hydrocarbons and include compounds such as methane, ethane, and propane. Alkanes are typically non-polar, relatively unreactive, and serve as important fuels and feedstocks in the chemical industry due to their stability and energy content.