Which term describes a hydrocarbon that has only single bonds between carbon atoms?

Which term describes a hydrocarbon that has only single bonds between carbon atoms?

• A. Hydrocarbon
• B. Organic Compound
• C. Saturated Hydrocarbon
• D. Isomer

Answer: (C)

Single bonds between carbon atoms indicate a hydrocarbon is saturated, meaning every carbon has the maximum number of hydrogen atoms attached given its bonds. This is why the term is saturated hydrocarbon. Alkanes, like methane and ethane, are examples of these; their carbon–carbon single bonds leave no room for additional hydrogens. A hydrocarbon is any molecule made of carbon and hydrogen, which is broader than just saturation. An organic compound is an even wider category that includes many different elements and types of bonds, not limited to hydrocarbons. An isomer refers to compounds with the same formula but a different arrangement of atoms, which is a different idea from whether all bonds are single.

Single bonds between carbon atoms indicate a hydrocarbon is saturated, meaning every carbon has the maximum number of hydrogen atoms attached given its bonds. This is why the term is saturated hydrocarbon. Alkanes, like methane and ethane, are examples of these; their carbon–carbon single bonds leave no room for additional hydrogens. A hydrocarbon is any molecule made of carbon and hydrogen, which is broader than just saturation. An organic compound is an even wider category that includes many different elements and types of bonds, not limited to hydrocarbons. An isomer refers to compounds with the same formula but a different arrangement of atoms, which is a different idea from whether all bonds are single.