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Unsaturated hydrocarbons are hydrocarbons that have double or triple covalent bonds between adjacent carbon atoms. Those with at least one double bond are called alkenes and those with at least one triple bond are called alkynes. Alkenes with two double bonds are called dienes.

The physical properties of unsaturated hydrocarbons are very similar to those of the corresponding saturated compounds. They are slightly soluble in water.

Except for aromatic compounds, unsaturated hydrocarbons are highly reactive and undergo addition reactions to their multiple bonds. Typical reagents added are hydrogen halides, water, sulfuric acid, elemental halogens and alcohols.

[edit] Testing

To test whether the hydrocarbon is unsaturated you should add bromine water. If the bromine water becomes decolourised (Goes colorless) then it is unsaturated.

[edit] See also

• saturated hydrocarbon