Chapter 23.1, Problem 4R

To determine

To Explain: The term saturated in relation to hydrocarbons.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction: Hydrocarbons in which valencies of all carbon atoms are satisfied by single covalent bonds are called saturated hydrocarbons or alkanes.

Hydrocarbons that contain only carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen single bonds in their molecules are termed saturated.

In these compounds, the carbon atoms are bonded with maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible. So the carbon atoms are saturated with hydrogen.

Conclusion: Hydrocarbons are classified as saturated when the carbon atoms are bonded with maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible, that is, when they contain only carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen single bonds. Hence, the carbon atoms are saturated with hydrogen.