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view: A Saturated Hydrocarbon
The term 'saturation' has nothing to do with a hydrocarbon getting soaked in water or coming inside after getting drenched in a torrential rainstorm. Instead, saturation has to do with the number of carbon atoms present in a molecule. Before we define a saturated hydrocarbon, let's step back and discuss a hydrocarbon.
Hydrocarbons are molecules that contain a carbon and hydrogen atom bonded to one another. Based upon their structure and properties, these organic compounds fall into the aliphatic or aromatic category. Think of aliphatic hydrocarbons as the guys who like to let several of their carbon and hydrogen atoms form long chains or branches, as shown in figure a:
There are several functional groups that fall within this category: alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes. Aromatic hydrocarbons are the gals who prefer to let their carbon and hydrogen atoms bond to form beautiful shapes, as shown in figure b above.
Saturated hydrocarbons are molecules that only contain single bonds and a maximum amount of hydrogen atoms bonded to the carbon atom present. The word 'maximum' refers to the principle of the octet rule. The octet rule states that atoms like carbon are more stable and happy when they have eight valence electrons. Valence electrons are electrons that occupy the outer shell of an atom.
In the case of a saturated hydrocarbon, our friend carbon wants to use the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible to ensure it has eight valence electrons in its outer shell. However, carbon only has four valence electrons, which means it needs to share four additional electrons with another atom to be stable and happy. This is where the hydrogen atom comes to the rescue! Hydrogen will graciously share its one electron with carbon, forming a single bond called a covalent bond.
Covalent bonds are a type of chemical bond formed when atoms share electrons with one another. When hydrogen shares its one electron with the carbon atom, two things happen:
1.) A covalent bond is formed
2.) The carbon atom is one step closer towards fulfilling its octet
Remember, to achieve saturation, carbon needs eight valence electrons in its outer shell. For a single carbon atom, not one, but four hydrogen atoms will step in and share their electrons.
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You are viewing lesson 10 in chapter 5 of the course:
AP Biology: Help and Review
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Introduction to Organic Molecules I: Functional Groups 7:26
Introduction to Organic Molecules II: Monomers and Polymers 5:15
Structure and Function of Carbohydrates 7:34
Structure and Function of Lipids 8:23
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Proteins III: Structure and Characteristics of the 20 Amino Acids 11:08
Proteins II: Amino Acids, Polymerization and Peptide Bonds 6:11
Proteins IV: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary and Quaternary Structure 8:55
Amylose: Structure, Formula & Function 4:01
Saturated Hydrocarbon: Definition & Examples 4:30