Determine if each of these hydrocarbons is saturated or unsaturated. Place an "S" for saturated next to each hydrocarbon that is saturated. Use "U" for unsaturated next to each hydrocarbon that is unsaturated. A. Two central carbons, with CH3 at each end, and single-bonded to the first carbon. B. Three central carbons, with a double bond between the first two. The left end is bonded to CH3, and the right end is bonded to three CH3 groups. C. Two central carbons, with H above, below, and on both sides. D. Five central carbons, with H above and below each, and H at both ends of the chain. ANSWERS: A. ⇒ S B. ⇒ U C. ⇒ S D. ⇒ S You're welcome! >:D

 A. ⇒ S B. ⇒ U C. ⇒ S D. ⇒ S

Extra: In organic chemistry, hydrocarbons are compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon. There are two categories of hydrocarbons: saturated and unsaturated.

Saturated hydrocarbons, also known as alkanes, have all carbon-carbon bonds as single bonds. They are "saturated" with hydrogen because they have the maximum number of hydrogen atoms attached to each carbon, leaving no room for more. The general formula for alkanes is C_nH_(2n+2), where 'n' is the number of carbon atoms. These compounds do not readily undergo additional reactions because they are chemically stable due to their single bonds.

Unsaturated hydrocarbons have at least one carbon-carbon double bond (alkenes) or triple bond (alkynes). These compounds are considered "unsaturated" because they could potentially add more hydrogen atoms if the multiple bonds were converted to single ones. The general formula for alkenes is C_nH_(2n) and for alkynes is C_nH_(2n-2). Unsaturated hydrocarbons are more reactive than saturated hydrocarbons because their multiple bonds can easily participate in chemical reactions, such as addition reactions where atoms are added to the carbon atoms involved in double or triple bonds.

To determine if a hydrocarbon is saturated or unsaturated, you look at the types of bonds between carbon atoms. If only single bonds are present, it is saturated. If there's at least one double or triple bond, it's unsaturated.

Based on the descriptions provided:

A. This molecule has only single bonds between carbon atoms, so it's a saturated hydrocarbon.

B. The presence of a double bond between the first two carbon atoms indicates that it's an unsaturated hydrocarbon.

C. With only single bonds around the two central carbons, this also represents a saturated hydrocarbon.

D. This linear chain composed entirely of single-bonded carbon atoms implies a saturated hydrocarbon as well.