A Level Chemistry OCR Practice Exam

Which of the following describes a saturated hydrocarbon?

1. A hydrocarbon containing double or triple bonds

2. A hydrocarbon with only single bonds

3. A hydrocarbon that can undergo addition reactions

4. A hydrocarbon with multiple functional groups

The correct answer is: A hydrocarbon with only single bonds

A saturated hydrocarbon is defined as a compound that contains only single bonds between carbon atoms, which means that each carbon atom is bonded to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible. This characteristic distinguishes saturated hydrocarbons from unsaturated hydrocarbons, which contain one or more double or triple bonds, allowing for fewer hydrogen atoms to be attached. Saturated hydrocarbons are typically alkanes, and their general formula is CnH2n+2, indicating that they are fully saturated with hydrogen. The presence of only single bonds means that these molecules cannot readily undergo addition reactions, as is typical for unsaturated compounds. Additionally, saturated hydrocarbons do not possess multiple functional groups; hence there can be no presence of reactivity associated with these functional groups. The definition and properties of saturated hydrocarbons are foundational concepts in organic chemistry, emphasizing the importance of bond types in determining the structure and reactivity of hydrocarbons. This understanding helps identify the broad categories of organic molecules and their behaviors in various chemical contexts.