The alkanes are a homologous series of saturated hydrocarbons.?

Question

State the meaning of each of the following terms:

(i) homologous series

(ii) hydrocarbon

(iii) saturated

Answer 1

a) A homologous series is a group of items, in this case compounds, that are similar in some way. They all have the same functionality and belong to the same group, the hydrocarbon group.

b) a hydrocarbon is a compound that contains only carbon and hydrogen atoms.

c) a saturated hydrocarbon is a hydrocarbon that doesn't have any unsaturation (double or triple bonds). It, therefore, consists of only single Carbon-Carbon bonds.

Hope this helps!!!

Answer 2

(i) a series of compounds with a similar forumla and therefor possesing simalar properties due to the presence of the same functional group.

(ii) A hydrocarbon is an organic compound containing only hydrogen and carbon.

(iii) Saturated means there are no double or triple bonds, and therefor no more hydrogens can be added to the molecule.