Chapter 23, Problem 62A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To explain why unsaturated reactants are mostly used in organic reactions than saturated carbons.

Concept Introduction: The organic compounds which are formed due to the bonding between hydrogen and carbon are called hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons may be bonded with a single bond, double bond, or triple bond. In saturated hydrocarbon, a single bond is present between both the carbons and the hydrogens will occupy all the other places. Whereas, in unsaturated hydrocarbons, two carbon atoms are bonded with a double or triple bond.

Answer to Problem 62A

Unsaturated hydrocarbons are mostly used because they are reactive as compared to that of saturated hydrocarbons.

Explanation of Solution

In saturated hydrocarbons, both carbons are bonded with a single bond. This single bond is very strong and cannot be broken easily. Whereas, in unsaturated hydrocarbons, both carbon atoms are bonded with a double or triple bond. These double and triple bonds are weaker than the single bond hence, they are very reactive.

They can be easily broken during the reaction as they are weak pi-bonds thus helping the unsaturated hydrocarbons to take part in the reaction more rapidly than the saturated hydrocarbons. Unsaturated hydrocarbons can easily undergo addition reactions such as bromination but in the case of saturated hydrocarbons, bromination does not take place easily as the single bond is comparatively stronger.

Conclusion

Unsaturated hydrocarbons are very reactive hence they are used in various chemical reactions to obtain the desired products. They can undergo several chemical reactions easily as compared to saturated hydrocarbons as they contain weak bonds which can be easily broken.