Question

Why are alkanes called saturated hydrocarbons?

Answer 1

• Saturated hydrocarbons are those compounds that consist of single or sigma bonds and are referred to as the simplest Carbon $\left(C\right)$ compounds with $s{p}^3$ hybridization.
• The general formula of saturated organic compounds is $C_n{H}_{2n+2}$.
• As the alkanes do not possess any double or triple bonds and all atoms are $s{p}^3$ hybridized, that's why they are called saturated hydrocarbons.
• For example: Methane ($C{H}_4$ Ethane ($C_2{H}_6$) are examples for saturated hydrocarbons.