Which of the following compounds is unsaturated?

Question

Prepp Team · Accepted Answer

Unsaturated Compound Identification An unsaturated compound is a chemical compound that contains at least one multiple bond between atoms, usually carbon atoms. This typically means the compound contains carbon-carbon double bonds (as found in alkenes) or carbon-carbon triple bonds (as found in alkynes). In contrast, saturated compounds only contain single bonds between atoms. Hydrocarbon Formula Analysis We can check if a hydrocarbon is saturated or unsaturated by comparing its formula to general rules: The general formula for saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) is $C_n H_{2n+2}$. The general formula for hydrocarbons with one double bond (alkenes) is $C_n H_{2n}$. The general formula for hydrocarbons with one triple bond (alkynes) is $C_n H_{2n-2}$. Let's examine each option provided: Compound Value of 'n' Alkane Formula ($C_n H_{2n+2}$) Alkene Formula ($C_n H_{2n}$) Alkyne Formula ($C_n H_{2n-2}$) Matches Which Formula? Type $C_3H_8$ 3 $C_3 H_{2(3)+2} = C_3H_8$ $C_3 H_{2(3)} = C_3H_6$ $C_3 H_{2(3)-2} = C_3H_4$ Alkane ($C_3H_8$) Saturated $C_2H_4$ 2 $C_2 H_{2(2)+2} = C_2H_6$ $C_2 H_{2(2)} = C_2H_4$ $C_2 H_{2(2)-2} = C_2H_2$ Alkene ($C_2H_4$) Unsaturated $C_4H_{10}$ 4 $C_4 H_{2(4)+2} = C_4H_{10}$ $C_4 H_{2(4)} = C_4H_8$ $C_4 H_{2(4)-2} = C_4H_6$ Alkane ($C_4H_{10}$) Saturated $C_2H_6$ 2 $C_2 H_{2(2)+2} = C_2H_6$ $C_2 H_{2(2)} = C_2H_4$ $C_2 H_{2(2)-2} = C_2H_2$ Alkane ($C_2H_6$) Saturated Determining Unsaturated Status By comparing the formulas to the general rules: $C_3H_8$ matches the alkane formula $C_n H_{2n+2}$ (n=3), so it is saturated. $C_2H_4$ matches the alkene formula $C_n H_{2n}$ (n=2), indicating a double bond, making it unsaturated. $C_4H_{10}$ matches the alkane formula $C_n H_{2n+2}$ (n=4), so it is saturated. $C_2H_6$ matches the alkane formula $C_n H_{2n+2}$ (n=2), so it is saturated. Therefore, the compound $C_2H_4$ is the only unsaturated compound among the choices.

Prepp Team · Answer

C3H8

Prepp Team · Answer

C4H10

Prepp Team · Answer

C2H6

Compound	Value of 'n'	Alkane Formula (\(C_n H_{2n+2}\))	Alkene Formula (\(C_n H_{2n}\))	Alkyne Formula (\(C_n H_{2n-2}\))	Matches Which Formula?	Type
\(C_3H_8\)	3	\(C_3 H_{2(3)+2} = C_3H_8\)	\(C_3 H_{2(3)} = C_3H_6\)	\(C_3 H_{2(3)-2} = C_3H_4\)	Alkane (\(C_3H_8\))	Saturated
\(C_2H_4\)	2	\(C_2 H_{2(2)+2} = C_2H_6\)	\(C_2 H_{2(2)} = C_2H_4\)	\(C_2 H_{2(2)-2} = C_2H_2\)	Alkene (\(C_2H_4\))	Unsaturated
\(C_4H_{10}\)	4	\(C_4 H_{2(4)+2} = C_4H_{10}\)	\(C_4 H_{2(4)} = C_4H_8\)	\(C_4 H_{2(4)-2} = C_4H_6\)	Alkane (\(C_4H_{10}\))	Saturated
\(C_2H_6\)	2	\(C_2 H_{2(2)+2} = C_2H_6\)	\(C_2 H_{2(2)} = C_2H_4\)	\(C_2 H_{2(2)-2} = C_2H_2\)	Alkane (\(C_2H_6\))	Saturated

Unsaturated Compound Identification

Hydrocarbon Formula Analysis

Determining Unsaturated Status

Important Questions from Carbon and its Compounds

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