Which of the following represents a saturated hydrocarbon?

Which of the following represents a saturated hydrocarbon?

• A. C₆H₆
• B. C₂H₄
• C. C₄H₁₀
• D. CH≡CH

Answer: (C)

Saturated hydrocarbons are compounds that contain only single bonds between carbon atoms, resulting in the maximum number of hydrogen atoms attached to each carbon. The general formula for saturated hydrocarbons, known as alkanes, is CₙH₂ₙ₊₂. In the case of C₄H₁₀, this compound meets the criteria of a saturated hydrocarbon, as it consists of four carbon atoms connected by single bonds, allowing it to be fully saturated with hydrogen atoms. The formula C₄H₁₀ corresponds to butane, which is a simple alkane. In contrast, C₆H₆ contains alternating double bonds, classifying it as an aromatic compound rather than a saturated hydrocarbon. C₂H₄, with its double bond, is an alkene and not fully saturated. The molecular formula CH≡CH represents an alkyne, characterized by a triple bond, which also indicates a lack of saturation. Thus, the identification of C₄H₁₀ as a saturated hydrocarbon is confirmed by its adherence to the alkane formula and its structural characteristics.

Saturated hydrocarbons are compounds that contain only single bonds between carbon atoms, resulting in the maximum number of hydrogen atoms attached to each carbon. The general formula for saturated hydrocarbons, known as alkanes, is CₙH₂ₙ₊₂.

In the case of C₄H₁₀, this compound meets the criteria of a saturated hydrocarbon, as it consists of four carbon atoms connected by single bonds, allowing it to be fully saturated with hydrogen atoms. The formula C₄H₁₀ corresponds to butane, which is a simple alkane.

In contrast, C₆H₆ contains alternating double bonds, classifying it as an aromatic compound rather than a saturated hydrocarbon. C₂H₄, with its double bond, is an alkene and not fully saturated. The molecular formula CH≡CH represents an alkyne, characterized by a triple bond, which also indicates a lack of saturation. Thus, the identification of C₄H₁₀ as a saturated hydrocarbon is confirmed by its adherence to the alkane formula and its structural characteristics.