saturated hydrocarbons
nounUK /ˈsætʃəreɪtɪd ˌhaɪdrəˈkɑːbənz/
US /ˈsætʃəreɪtɪd ˌhaɪdrəˈkɑːrbənz/
These are simple molecules made of carbon and hydrogen that have as many hydrogen atoms as they can hold.
Methane and propane are saturated hydrocarbons found in natural gas.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Hydrocarbons whose carbon atoms are joined only by single bonds.
The lab stored several saturated hydrocarbons in sealed containers.
3. The alkane family of compounds, often used as fuels.
Saturated hydrocarbons like butane power many portable stoves.
4. Compounds that cannot take in more hydrogen without breaking apart.
Chemists call these saturated hydrocarbons because no double bonds remain.