State that a saturated compound has molecules in which all carbon-carbon bonds are single bonds

Organic Chemistry – Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

Objective

A saturated compound has molecules in which all carbon‑carbon bonds are single bonds.
Analogy: Imagine a chain of beads linked by single rubber bands – no double or triple bands are allowed.

Key Terminology

• Alkane – Saturated hydrocarbon, formula $C_nH_{2n+2}$.
• Alkene – Unsaturated hydrocarbon, contains one double bond.
• Alkyne – Unsaturated hydrocarbon, contains one triple bond.
• Functional group – Specific arrangement of atoms that gives a molecule its characteristic properties.
• Saturated – All C–C bonds are single bonds.
• Unsaturated – Contains at least one double or triple C–C bond.

How to Spot a Saturated Compound

1. Draw the Lewis structure or a skeletal formula.
2. Count the number of C–C bonds.
3. If every C–C bond is a single line (–), the compound is saturated.
4. Check the hydrogen count: for an alkane, it should match $C_nH_{2n+2}$.

Common Functional Groups (with Emojis)

Quick Quiz

Which of the following compounds is saturated?
A) $C_3H_6$ (propene)
B) $C_3H_8$ (propane)
C) $C_4H_6$ (butyne)
Answer: B) $C_3H_8$ – all C–C bonds are single.

Takeaway

Remember: saturated = all single bonds. Think of a simple chain of single links, like a necklace where each bead is connected by one string. If you see any double or triple links, the chain is unsaturated. Happy exploring the world of organic molecules! 🌟