Contain carbon-to-carbon double or triple bonds.
The compounds that contain carbon-to-carbon double or triple bonds are known as unsaturated hydrocarbons
The compounds that contain carbon-to-carbon double or triple bonds are known as unsaturated hydrocarbons. These compounds are named as such because they have fewer hydrogen atoms bonded to the carbon atoms compared to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms that could be bonded to carbon.
Unsaturated hydrocarbons can be broadly classified into two categories based on the type of bond present: alkenes and alkynes.
Alkenes: Alkenes contain carbon-to-carbon double bonds. The general formula for alkenes is CnH2n, where “n” represents the number of carbon atoms in the molecule. The carbon atoms in the double bond are connected by a sigma bond and a pi bond. The presence of a double bond in alkenes provides them with unique properties and reactivity. For example, alkenes readily undergo addition reactions, where atoms or groups of atoms add to the molecule across the double bond, resulting in the formation of new compounds.
Alkynes: Alkynes contain carbon-to-carbon triple bonds. The general formula for alkynes is CnH2n-2. Similar to alkenes, the carbon atoms in alkynes are connected by a sigma bond and two pi bonds. The triple bond in alkynes also imparts distinct chemical reactivity to these compounds. Alkynes are known for their high acidity due to the presence of a hydrogen atom that is easily ionizable. They also undergo addition reactions similar to alkenes but with different regioselectivity and reactivity.
Unsaturated hydrocarbons play a significant role in various fields, including organic synthesis, petrochemical industry, and biochemistry. They are used as starting materials for the production of a wide range of products, such as polymers, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and fuels.
It is important to note that while unsaturated hydrocarbons contain double or triple bonds, saturated hydrocarbons do not have these types of bonds. Saturated hydrocarbons only have single bonds between carbon atoms and contain the maximum number of hydrogen atoms.
More Answers:
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