Question

Which of the following one is a saturated hydrocarbon?

• A. propene
• B. propyne
• C. ethylene
• D. butane

Answer 1

The correct option is D

butane

Step 1: Introduction

The organic compounds consisting of Carbon $\left(\mathrm{C}\right)$ and Hydrogen $\left(\mathrm{H}\right)$ atoms are known as hydrocarbons.

Hydrocarbons are of two types depending upon the kind of bonds formed between Carbon-Carbon $(\mathrm{C}-\mathrm{C})$ atoms:

Saturated hydrocarbons

Unsaturated hydrocarbons

Step 2: The explanation for the correct option:

The compounds containing Carbon atoms have a single bond between two Carbon-Carbon atoms are called saturated hydrocarbons.

Alkanes contain only single bonds between Carbon and Hydrogen atoms. So it is a saturated hydrocarbon.

The general formula of alkanes is$\left({\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{n}}{\mathrm{H}}_{2\mathrm{n}+2}\right)$.

Butane $\left({\mathrm{C}}_4{\mathrm{H}}_{10}\right)$ is a saturated hydrocarbon because it contains only single bonds between Carbon-Carbon and Carbon-Hydrogen atoms and it follows the general formula of alkanes.

The explanation for the incorrect option:

Propene $\left({\mathrm{C}}_3{\mathrm{H}}_6\right)$ follows the general formula of alkenes. So it is known as an unsaturated hydrocarbon.

Propyne $\left({\mathrm{C}}_3{\mathrm{H}}_4\right)$ follows the general formula of alkynes. So it is known as an unsaturated hydrocarbon.

Ethylene $\left({\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_4\right)$ follows the general formula of alkenes. So it is known as an unsaturated hydrocarbon.

Final answer:

Hence, option (D) is the correct option.