Chapter 20, Problem 5A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The meaning of a saturated hydrocarbon needs to be explained. The number of other atoms is each carbon atom in a saturated hydrocarbon and name to the family of saturated hydrocarbons needs to be determined.

Concept introduction: Hydrocarbons, as the name indicates, are compounds composed of

carbon and hydrogen.

Answer to Problem 5A

Saturated hydrocarbons are hydrocarbons in which all carbon-carbon bonds are single bonds.

Explanation of Solution

Hydrocarbons, as the name indicates, are compounds composed of carbon and hydrogen. Those whose carbon−carbon bonds are all single bonds are said to be saturated, because each carbon is bound to four atoms, the maximum number.

Saturated hydrocarbons are called alkanes. The simplest alkane ismethane, ${\text{CH}}_4$ , which has a tetrahedral structure.

Conclusion

Alkanes in which the carbon atoms form long “strings” or chains arecalled normal, straight chain, or unbranched hydrocarbons.