What is the main difference between saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons?

Saturated hydrocarbons are defined by the presence of only single covalent bonds between carbon atoms. This means that each carbon atom in a saturated hydrocarbon is bonded to as many hydrogen atoms as possible, resulting in a structure that is "saturated" with hydrogen. Examples of saturated hydrocarbons include alkanes, such as methane and ethane.

In contrast, unsaturated hydrocarbons contain at least one double or triple bond between carbon atoms. These double or triple bonds introduce kinks in the structure, allowing for fewer hydrogen atoms to be attached. This difference in bonding affects the properties and reactivity of the compounds. Saturated hydrocarbons are generally less reactive than unsaturated hydrocarbons due to the stability provided by their single bonds.

Thus, the statement about saturated hydrocarbons containing only single bonds accurately captures the key distinction between the two types of hydrocarbons.