Which hydrocarbon type has both single and double bonds?

Which hydrocarbon type has both single and double bonds?

• A. Alkane
• B. Alkyne
• C. Alkene
• D. Saturated hydrocarbon

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is alkene because alkenes are defined as hydrocarbons that contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond, while also having the potential to exhibit single bonds between carbon atoms. This dual presence of bonding types is characteristic of alkenes, distinguishing them from other hydrocarbon classes. In contrast, alkanes only have single bonds between carbon atoms, making them saturated hydrocarbons with no double or triple bonds. Alkynes, on the other hand, have at least one carbon-carbon triple bond and therefore do not feature both types of bonding. Saturated hydrocarbons specifically refer to compounds containing only single bonds (like alkanes), which further supports why the presence of both single and double bonds points specifically to alkenes.

The correct answer is alkene because alkenes are defined as hydrocarbons that contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond, while also having the potential to exhibit single bonds between carbon atoms. This dual presence of bonding types is characteristic of alkenes, distinguishing them from other hydrocarbon classes.

In contrast, alkanes only have single bonds between carbon atoms, making them saturated hydrocarbons with no double or triple bonds. Alkynes, on the other hand, have at least one carbon-carbon triple bond and therefore do not feature both types of bonding. Saturated hydrocarbons specifically refer to compounds containing only single bonds (like alkanes), which further supports why the presence of both single and double bonds points specifically to alkenes.