Saturated Hydrocarbons: Properties, Uses, and Formula

Saturated Hydrocarbon

Contain only only carbon-to-carbon single bonds. The most chemically inert of all organic compounds.

Saturated hydrocarbons, also known as alkanes, are a class of organic compounds that contain only single covalent bonds between carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms. They are referred to as saturated because these bonds are as close to stable as possible, with each carbon having four covalent bonds: one to each of its neighbouring carbons and two to hydrogen atoms.

The general formula for saturated hydrocarbons is CnH2n+2, where n represents the number of carbon atoms in the molecule. For example, methane (CH4) is the smallest and simplest saturated hydrocarbon, with only one carbon atom, while octane (C8H18) is a larger saturated hydrocarbon with eight carbon atoms.

Saturated hydrocarbons are generally unreactive and have very low boiling and melting points, making them good for use as fuels. They can be found naturally in crude oil deposits and are commonly used as heating oil, gasoline, and aviation fuel. They are also used in the production of plastics, synthetic rubber and other organic compounds.

More Answers:

Substituted Hydrocarbons: Properties and Examples
Hydrocarbon Molecules: Types, Properties, and Importance in Fossil Fuels and Industry
Exploring the Chemistry and Importance of Unsaturated Hydrocarbons

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