Organic Chemistry: Saturated Compounds

Objective

State that a saturated compound has molecules in which all carbon-carbon bonds are single bonds.

What are Organic Compounds?

Organic compounds are compounds that contain carbon. They are the basis of life and form the building blocks of many materials we use.

Carbon and Bonding

Carbon has the ability to form strong covalent bonds with other carbon atoms and with hydrogen. The way carbon atoms bond together determines the structure and properties of organic compounds.

Types of Carbon-Carbon Bonds

Carbon atoms can form three types of bonds with other carbon atoms:

• Single bond: A single bond is formed by the sharing of one pair of electrons. It is represented by a single line (-).
• Double bond: A double bond is formed by the sharing of two pairs of electrons. It is represented by two lines (=).
• Triple bond: A triple bond is formed by the sharing of three pairs of electrons. It is represented by three lines (≡).

Saturated Compounds

A saturated compound is an organic compound that contains only single bonds between carbon atoms. This means that each carbon atom is bonded to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible.

Molecular Formula and Saturated Compounds

For a saturated compound with the molecular formula $C_n H_{2n+2}$, the carbon atoms are all linked by single bonds.

Examples of Saturated Compounds

1. Ethane: $C_2H_6$
2. Propane: $C_3H_8$
3. Butane: $C_4H_{10}$

Diagram

Summary

In summary, a saturated compound is characterized by the presence of only single bonds between carbon atoms in its molecular structure.

Bond Type	Representation	Example
Single Bond	-	Ethane ($C_2H_6$)
Double Bond	=	Ethene ($C_2H_4$)
Triple Bond	≡	Ethyne ($C_2H_2$)