Question

Which of the following hydrocarbons is unsaturated?

C₃H₄; C₂H₆

Answer 1

C₃H₄ (C_nH_2n-2) is an unsaturated hydrocarbon. It has three carbon atoms, of which two carbon atoms are connected by a triple bond. Here, n is 3. Now, substituting n in the formula of the alkynes, we get,  `C_3H_(2-3-2)= C_3H_4` .This compound is called propyne. C₂H₆ is a saturated hydrocarbon with two carbon atoms bonded by a single bond.