Saturated & Unsaturated Compounds (Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry)

Spec point — 11.1.3 · State that a saturated compound has molecules in which all carbon–carbon bonds are single bonds State that an unsaturated compound has molecules in which one or more carbon–carbon bonds are not single bonds

Saturated & unsaturated Compounds

What are saturated compounds?

• Saturated compounds are molecules with only single carbon-carbon bonds(C-C)

  • Each carbon atom has 4 single bonds to other atoms

• Alkanes are examples of saturated compounds

• Alkanes have the general formula C_nH_2n+2

• The first three alkanes are:

1. Methane, CH₄

1. Ethane, C₂H₆

1. Propane, C₃H₈

What are unsaturated compounds?

• Unsaturated compounds are molecules with one or more carbon-carbon double bonds (C=C)

  • Each carbon atom has 4 bonds to other atoms
  • But, one bond is a double bond

• Alkenes are examples of unsaturated compounds

• Alkenes have the general formula C_nH_2n

• The first three alkenes are:

1. Ethene, C₂H₄

1. Propene, C₃H₆

1. Butene, C₄H₈

Exam Hint Remember:

Saturated compounds have Single bonds only.

Unsaturated compounds have doUble bonds