Question

Which of the following organic compounds is unsaturated? ${\mathbf{CH}}_{\mathbf{4}}$ or ${\mathbf{C}}_{\mathbf{2}}{\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{4}}$

Answer 1

Part 1: ${\mathbf{C}}_{\mathbf{2}}{\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{4}}$

1. Hydrocarbons in which Carbon atoms are combined with double (C=C) and a triple bond (C≡C) are called Unsaturated Hydrocarbon.
2. Alkene has a general formula ${\mathbf{C}}_{\mathbf{n}}{\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{2}\mathbf{n}}$.
3. Ethene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon with a chemical formula${\mathbf{C}}_{\mathbf{2}}{\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{4}}$.
4. The given formula fulfills the general formula of alkene.
5. Hence, it is an unsaturated hydrocarbon.

Part 2: ${\mathbf{CH}}_{\mathbf{4}}$

1. Saturated hydrocarbon has a general formula ${\mathbf{C}}_{\mathbf{n}}{\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{2}\mathbf{n}\mathbf{+}\mathbf{2}}$.
2. Methane is a saturated hydrocarbon with a chemical formula ${\mathbf{CH}}_{\mathbf{4}}$.
3. Hence, it is a saturated hydrocarbon.

Therefore, ${\mathbf{C}}_{\mathbf{2}}{\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{4}}$ is a unsaturated hydrocarbon.