. What are hydrocarbons? Write the name and general formula of (i) saturated hydro­ carbons

Best Answer

Ans.  Hydrocarbons: A compound made   up  of  hydrogen and  carbon is called  hydrocarbon. Petroleum is the most important natural source  of hydrocarbon.

The general formula of saturated hydrocarbons or alkanes is C_nH_2n+2 where n is the number of carbon atoms in one molecule  of the alkane

Example: If an alkane  has 1 carbon atom,  then  n = 1.

Molecular formula will be C₁H_2x1+2  = CH₄

Methane

• An  unsaturated  hydrocarbon is  a  hydrocarbon in  which   the  two  carbon atoms are connected by a I double bond' or a.' I triple  bond'.

• An unsaturated hydrocarbon in which  the two carbon atoms are connected by a double bond  is called  an alkene.

General formula: C_nH_2n

Example: If n  = 2

An unsaturated hydrocarbon in which the two  carbon  atoms  are connected by a triple bond  is called  an alkyne.

General formula: C_nH_2n-2

Example: If n = 2

C₂H_2X2-2 = C₂H₂

An .unsaturated hydrocarbon can be made  saturated by the addition of hydrogen in the presence of nickel or palladium metal  as catalyst