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 chemical compounds that contain carbon. Carbon's ability to form stable covalent bonds with itself and other elements is fundamental to the vast diversity of organic molecules.

Carbon-Carbon Bonds

Carbon atoms can form strong covalent bonds with other carbon atoms, and also with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements. These bonds can be single, double, or triple.

Types of Carbon-Carbon Bonds

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

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 Structure of a Saturated Compound

Consider ethane ($C_2H_6$):

In ethane, each carbon atom is bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one other carbon atom by a single bond. Because all carbon-carbon bonds are single, ethane is classified as a saturated compound.

Example of a Saturated Compound

Alkanes are a common type of saturated hydrocarbon. They consist of only single bonds between carbon atoms.

Table Summary

Property	Description
Carbon-Carbon Bonds	All carbon-carbon bonds are single bonds.
Hydrogen Content	Typically have a high proportion of hydrogen atoms.
Examples	Methane, Ethane, Propane, Butane, etc.