Which of the following compounds is unsaturated?
C2H4
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.
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