unsaturated hydrocarbon

noun

Pronunciation: /ʌnˈsætʃəreɪtɪd ˈhaɪdrəkɑːrbən/

Definition

A chemical compound consisting only of carbon and hydrogen that contains at least one double or triple bond between carbon atoms.

Examples

• Ethylene is the simplest unsaturated hydrocarbon used in the industrial production of plastics.

• The presence of a double bond classifies this molecule as an unsaturated hydrocarbon.

• Unlike alkanes, an unsaturated hydrocarbon can react with hydrogen to become saturated.

Synonyms of unsaturated hydrocarbon

Words with a similar meaning to unsaturated hydrocarbon:

• alkene
• alkyne

Antonyms of unsaturated hydrocarbon

Words with the opposite meaning to unsaturated hydrocarbon:

• saturated hydrocarbon

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