Sci20 Unita 3 2

Science 20 2006 Alberta Education (www.education.gov.ab.ca). Third-party copyright credits are listed on the attached copyright credit page.
3.2 Saturated and Unsaturated Hydrocarbons
Figure A3.7: Many popular snack foods contain saturated fats and trans fats.
Many people turn to greasy foods when they want a snack or a quick way to re-energize themselves on a busy day. The reason
these foods are known to be a source of energy is that they all contain significant amounts of fat. Gram for gram, fat contains
more food energy than does any other type of nutrient. These foods also share something else in common: it is likely that they
all contain saturated fats and industrially produced trans fatty acids.
Food
Amount of Industrially
Produced Trans Fatty Acids (g)
doughnut
1 to 3.2
large portion of French fries
2 to 6.8
bag of microwave popcorn
1 to 10.0
How does the arrangement of hydrogen atoms around the double bond in a trans fatty acid influence its properties? Why
is Health Canada working with the food-service and food-processing industries to limit the content of trans fatty acid in foods
sold in Canada? How are trans fatty acids made? Why did many manufacturers deliberately start adding trans fatty acids to
processed foods in the 1980s?
Fats and oils are both organic molecules that are rich in carbon and hydrogen atoms. To answer the preceding questions,
once again you need to look at carbon compounds and their bonds.
122
Unit A: Chemical Change
You already know that each carbon atom needs to have four bonds to be stable.
For example, each carbon atom in an ethane molecule has stability because it is
attached to three hydrogen atoms and another carbon atom. This makes a total of
four bonds for each carbon atom. As a result of having the maximum number of
bonds, carbon atoms are stable and no other atoms can be added to the molecule.
Since each carbon in ethane has four bonds to four individual atoms, it is called a
saturated hydrocarbon.
It is possible for a two-carbon molecule, like ethane, to exist with fewer
hydrogen atoms. Look at what happens to a molecule when this occurs. If these two
neighbouring carbon atoms each lose one hydrogen atom, they can form a double
bond. If they each lose an additional hydrogen atom, a triple bond can form.
Making a Double Bond
Two hydrogen atoms leave the

carbon chain.
H C C H
H H
Both carbons have an unbonded

electron. So, they are not stable
until these unbonded electrons
form a bond.
The closest thing to bond with is

the electron from the other carbon.
H C
H
Both carbons bond with each other

to form a double bond. All carbon
atoms are again stable.
C H
H
H
H
H
C C
H
C C
C C
H C C H
H C C H
H H
H H
H C C H
H H
All atoms in this molecule are
stable because they each have
a full outer energy level.
Making a Triple Bond
H H
H C C H
H H
Ethane
Two hydrogen atoms leave the

carbon chain on either side of a
double bond.
The carbons are not stable until

they form a bond. So, they bond,
yet again, with each other to form
a triple bond.
Each atom is stable in this
molecule. The carbons each have
four bonds: three from the other
carbon and one from a hydrogen.
Note: Hydrocarbons with double and triple bonds

are less stable than those with single bonds.
The complete structural diagram

shows the twisting that occurs to
accommodate the double bonds.
saturated hydrocarbon: a hydrocarbon containing only

single covalent bonds between carbon atoms
unsaturated hydrocarbon: a hydrocarbon containing
double or triple covalent bonds between carbon atoms
Molecules with double and triple bonds are called unsaturated hydrocarbons. They are given this name because they
are missing their maximum number of bonds to hydrogen atoms. Because there are fewer hydrogen atoms in unsaturated
hydrocarbons, they have a general chemical formula different from saturated hydrocarbons like alkanes.
Practice
19. Explain how the formation of a carbon-carbon double bond from a carbon-carbon single bond enables both of the
carbon atoms to remain stable.
20. Explain how a hydrocarbon can have a triple bond.
21. Define the terms saturated hydrocarbon and unsaturated hydrocarbon.
Chapter 3: Organic Chemistry
123
Saturated Hydrocarbons
The Difference Between Animal Fats and Plant Oils

Have you ever wondered why many foods containing fats and oils are so popular? In addition to being a rich source of
food energy, these ingredients provide taste, consistency, and stability, and they help you feel full. Although many fats and
oils help to maintain good health, others do not. To sort this out, you have to look at the shape of the molecules.
A Molecule of Animal Fat
H
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H O
H C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C O C H
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
H
Figure A3.8: A molecule of animal fat contains three fatty acid chains.
The molecules of fats and oils found in foods consist of three connected
chains of fatty acids. The properties of a fat or oil are determined by the
particular fatty acids in these chains.
fatty acid: an organic molecule consisting of

a long chain of carbons with a COOH group at
one end and a methyl group at the other end
Stearic Acid
O
H C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C
OH
Oleic Acid
H
H
C
H C C
C H
H
C H
H
H C C H H
H C
H C
H
H
C
H
H C
H
H
H C
H C
H
H
C
H C
H
H
H C
C H H
O
H C
H
H
O
omega end
alpha end H
H
Figure A3.9: Butter is made from saturated fats, which contain saturated fatty acids. Corn oil is made from unsaturated fats, which contain unsaturated
fatty acids.
What accounts for the different shapes of these two molecules? Looking closely, you should notice that the carbon chain in
the stearic acid is a saturated hydrocarbon, whereas the oleic acid from the plant oil has a double bond and is an unsaturated
hydrocarbon. That is, the carbon chain in the stearic acid contains only single bonds between carbon atoms and the carbon
chain in the oleic acid contains at least one double bond.
124
fatty acids having more than one double bond
Essential Fatty Acids

Although it has become quite popular for people to reduce the amount
of fat in their diets, not all fats are health hazards. In fact, some fats are
essential to good health. Thats why some fat is often included
as an ingredient in an energy bar.
It is important to ensure that you eat foods with fats
and oils that contain essential fatty acids. You need these
nutrients for the formation of healthy cell membranes, for the
proper development of the brain and the nervous system, and
for the production of hormone-like substances that regulate
body functions (e.g., blood pressure).
The essential fatty acids are the omega-3 and
omega-6 fatty acids. Most people have no trouble getting
enough omega-6 fatty acids, but it can be a challenge to get
an adequate supply of omega-3 fatty acids. Sources for these
include flaxseeds, salmon, and sardines.
essential fatty acid: a fatty acid that the body

cannot synthesize itself and must obtain from food
NUTRITION INFORMATION
Serving Size = 63 g = 1 bar
Energy
Protein
Fat
Omega-6
Omega-3
Saturated
222 cal/930 KJ
9.0 g
2.4 g
0.5 g
0.01 g
0.6 g
Figure A3.10: Nutrition information is printed on the package of every energy bar.
Practice
22. Explain why saturated fats tend to be solids at room temperature.
23. Sketch a diagram showing the omega end of an omega-3 fatty acid.
24. Sketch a diagram showing the omega end of an omega-6 fatty acid.
25. Explain the flaw in the statement, A diet high in fat is very unhealthy. So, it is much better to
have no fat in your diet.
26. Consider the list of ingredients shown in the energy bar in Figure A3.10.
a. Identify the ingredient that is normally considered to be an unhealthy component in a food.
b. Suggest reasons why a small amount of this ingredient has been added to an energy bar.
125
Notice that the unsaturated oleic acid has a bend in the chain at the location of the double bond. The two missing carbon
atoms on each side below the double bond create a gap that allows the molecule to bend.
This bend means that groups of oleic acid molecules are like crooked twigs. They dont pack together as closely as the
straight chains of stearic acid. Since the oleic acid molecules are further apart, the forces of attraction between adjacent
molecules are weaker; therefore, it takes less energy to separate these molecules so that they can move freely over one
another. This helps explain why oleic acid is a component of an oil, which is a liquid at room temperature. The closer packing
and greater forces of attraction between molecules helps explain why stearic acid is a component of a fat, which is a solid at
room temperature.
Oleic acid is an omega-9 fatty acid. The end of the molecule with the COOH group is called the alpha end; the part that
terminates with a methyl group is called the omega end. Since the double bond occurs after the ninth carbon, counting from
the omega end, this is an omega-9 fatty acid. Your body can produce small amounts of omega-9 fatty acids, but you can also
get it from your dietthrough olive oil, almonds, and other nuts.
It is the bent shape of this moleculedue to the arrangement of the double bondthat accounts for many of the healthy
properties of this nutrient. In general, unsaturated fats and oils are healthier choices than saturated fats. On food labels,
unsaturated fats and oils are often called monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats.
The first part of each word has been added to describe the number of
monounsaturated fat: a fat molecule that
double bonds present in the molecules of each substance. Mono refers to
includes fatty acids having only one double bond
one double bond, and poly refers to more than one double bond.
polyunsaturated fat: a fat molecule that includes
Try This Activity

Building Models of Hydrocarbons
Purpose
You will use a molecular kit to make models of the hydrocarbons listed in the procedure. Use the models to determine if
the hydrocarbons contain only single bonds or if they contain double or triple bonds.
Materials
Science Skills
molecular model kit
Analyzing and Interpreting
Procedure
step 1: Copy the following table into your notebook.
Chemical Formula
Complete
Structural Diagram
Only Single Bonds,

a Double Bond, or a
Triple Bond
Saturated or
Unsaturated
C5H12
C5H10
C5H8
C8H14
C4H10
C7H16
C6H12
C4H8
C7H12
C3H8
step 2: For each compound, build a model of the molecule. Use your model kit to determine whether there are enough
hydrogen atoms to saturate the molecule.
step 3: Complete the table for each molecule. Draw a complete structural diagram; and determine whether the
molecule has only single bonds, whether it has at least one double or triple bond, and whether it is saturated
or unsaturated. Since there is more than one way to construct each molecule, there are a number of possible
responses for each of the structural diagrams.
Analysis
1. Earlier, you discovered that the general formula for an alkane was CnH2n+2. Alkanes have only single bonds between
the carbon atoms. Use this information to verify the results of your work with the models.
2. Consider the compounds in your table that have a double bond. Use the chemical formula for each of these
compounds to develop a general formula for a hydrocarbon with a double bond.
3. Consider the compounds in your table that have a triple bond. Use the chemical formula for each of these
compounds to develop a general formula for a hydrocarbon with a triple bond.
126
You already know that an alkane is a hydrocarbon that contains only single bonds. A compound
that has at least one double bond between two neighbouring atoms in its longest continuous chain
of carbon atoms is called an alkene. A compound that has at least one triple bond along the longest
continuous chain of carbon atoms is called an alkyne.
The rules for naming alkenes and alkynes are similar to naming alkanes, except for the
following differences:
alkene: a hydrocarbon
that has at least one
carbon-carbon double
bond; CnH2n
alkyne: a hydrocarbon
that has at least one
carbon-carbon triple
bond; CnH2n-2
If the compound is an alkene, the suffix -ene is used. If the compound is an alkyne, the
suffix -yne is used.
The double or triple bond must appear in the longest continuous chain of carbon atoms.
Number the chain so that the carbons with the double or triple bond receive the lowest possible number.
The location of the double or triple bond is communicated by a number, placed before the name of the longest
continuous carbon chain.
Example Problem 3.2

Name each hydrocarbon given.
a.
H H
H C C H
H H
b.
H
H
H
C C
c.
H C C H
Solution
Each compound has a continous chain of two carbons. So, the prefix eth- is used.
c. This hydrocarbon uses the
suffix -yne because it is an
alkyne; it has a triple bond
between the carbon atoms.
Therefore, this is ethyne.
b. This hydrocarbon uses the

suffix -ene because it is an
alkene; it has a double bond
Therefore, this is ethene.
O
Y
ID
a. This hydrocarbon uses the

suffix -ane because it is an
alkane; it has only single bonds
Therefore, this is ethane.
Using the IUPAC naming system, the following

molecule is called ethyne. The common name is acetylene.
When acetylene is burned alone, it can produce

temperatures of 2200C; but when it is burned with
oxygen, the flame temperature can approach 3300Chot
enough to melt all commercial metals.
Oxy-acetylene welding uses this very hot flame to melt
the edges of two pieces of metal that are brought together.
The oxy-acetylene process can also be used to cut metal.
127
Naming Hydrocarbons with a Double or Triple Bond
Example Problem 3.3

Identify which diagram correctly identifies the parent chain of an alkene molecule.
CH3
CH2
C CH2
A.
CH3 CH2 CH2
CH3
CH2
C CH2
B.
CH3 CH2 CH2
Solution
Diagram A is incorrect. Even though diagram A identifies the longest chain, this chain does not include the double bond.
Diagram B is correct because the parent chain includes the double bond.
Example Problem 3.4

Identify which diagram correctly numbers the carbons in the parent chain.
A.
CH3 CH CH CH2
CH3
B.
CH3 CH CH CH2
CH3
Solution
Diagram A shows the double bond occurring after carbon number 3. This is not the lowest number. Diagram B shows
the double bond occurring after carbon number 1. Because 1 is less than 3, diagram B is correct.
Example Problem 3.5

Correctly name the following hydrocarbon.
CH3 CH CH CH2
CH3
Solution
4
CH3 CH CH CH2
CH3
The double bond for this molecule is between carbon 1

and carbon 2. Use the smaller number to communicate
its position. Therefore, the name of this hydrocarbon is
3-methyl-1-butene
methyl branch
on carbon 3
128
double bond after

carbon 1
Practice
27. Copy and complete the following table into your notebook. The first line has been completed for you.
Bond Between
Carbon Atoms in
Longest Chain
Type of
Hydrocarbon
General
Chemical
Formula
Example
alkane
Unsaturated
Saturated
Ethane: C2H6
single bonds
CnH2n+2
one double bond
CnH2n
one triple bond
CnH2n-2
n=2
2n + 2 = 2(2) + 2
=6
H H
H C C H
H H
28. Name the following compounds.

a.
CH3 CH2 CH CH CH2 CH3
b.
CH3 CH
C CH2 CH3
CH2
CH3
CH3
c.
CH3 C
CH3
d.
C CH2 CH3
CH2
CH3
CH2
CH2 C CH2 CH2 CH3
CH3
e.
CH3
f.
CH2
CH2
CH2 C C
CH CH CH3
CH3 CH C C CH CH3
CH2
CH2
CH2
CH3
CH3
29. Draw condensed structural diagrams for the following compounds.
a. 1-hexene
c. 2-methyl-2-pentene
b. 2-pentyne
d. 2,5-dimethyl-3-heptyne
30. The following compounds are named incorrectly. Draw a complete structural diagram of the compound;
then name it correctly.
a. 3-butene
c. 2-ethyl-2-pentene
b. 2-methyl-4-pentene
d. 2,3-diethyl-2-hexene
129
Saturated and Unsaturated Compounds in Food

You have just finished exploring many of the different hydrocarbons that exist. You know that there are alkanes, alkenes,
and alkynes. As stated earlier, butter is produced from fats containing saturated carbon chains and, therefore, has properties
more like an alkane. Margarine, on the other hand, is produced from oils containing primarily unsaturated carbon chains and,
therefore, has properties more like an alkene. So, which is the healthier food choicebutter or margarine?
Part of the answer to this question lies in the differences in the physical and chemical properties of saturated and
unsaturated compounds. Remember that the physical properties of a substance include a substances state at room
temperature, solubility, colour, melting point, and boiling point. The chemical properties of a substance explain how stable
and reactive the substance is.
Is there a relationship between the properties of the different groups of hydrocarbons and their chemical structure? In the
next investigation, you have an opportunity to identify any trends and explain why they may exist.
Investigation
Connecting Chemical and Physical Properties to Structure
Purpose
You will use molecular models to represent various hydrocarbons and suggest how their structure might influence their
properties.
Science Skills
Materials
Performing and Recording

molecular model kit
Procedure
step 1: Read through the analysis questions so you know what to look for as you build your models.
step 2: Use the molecular kit to construct each of the following molecules:
H H
H C C H
H H
H
H
H
C C
H C C H
H
Remember that the black balls in your model kit represent carbon atoms, the yellow balls represent hydrogen, and the
connectors between the balls represent the bonds between the atoms.
Analysis
Use your models to answer the following questions:
1. Which model is the most rigid?
2. Which model is the most flexible?
3. On which model are the bonds under the most stress?
4. On which model are the bonds under the least stress?
5. Which model has the largest mass? Which has the smallest?
6. Choosing between hydrocarbons with single, double, or triple bonds, which group will have bonds that are the
easiest to break? Support your answer.
7. Choosing between hydrocarbons with single, double, or triple bonds, which group will have bonds that are the most
difficult to break? Support your answer.
8. Which of the three hydrocarbons will have the greatest reactivity? Support your answer.
9. Order the molecules from most reactive to least reactive. Explain how you came to your conclusion.
10. Predict which molecule will require the most energy to make it move around. Support your answer.
11. Particles in a liquid move freely over one another, taking the shape of their container. This is due to the fact that the
particles in a liquid have a greater energy of motion than particles in a solid. Suggest another reason why saturated
fats tend to be solid at room temperature and unsaturated fats tend to be liquid at room temperature.
130
Try This Activity

Investigating Hydrocarbon Boiling Points
Purpose
You will graph data for the boiling points of both alkanes and alkenes.
You will then analyze the graphs to find trends in the data.
Science Skills
Procedure
1. Copy and complete the following table in your notebook.
Alkenes
Alkanes
Name of Compound
Chemical Formula
Number of Carbon Atoms
Boiling Point (C)
ethane
- 88.6
propane
- 42.0
butane
- 0.5
ethene
- 103.7
propene
- 47.5
1-butene
- 6.0
2. Graph the data in the table. Draw one best-fit line for alkanes and another best-fit line for alkenes. Include a legend.
Set up your graph similar to the following.
Comparing Boiling Points of

Alkanes and Alkenes
Boiling Point (C)
40
40
80
120
0
Number of Carbon Atoms
Analysis
3. State the relationship between the boiling point of a hydrocarbon and the number of carbon atoms within the
molecule. Give an explanation for this relationship.
4. Predict which compound would have a higher boiling pointpentane or hexane. Give a reason for your choice.
5. Generally describe how the boiling points of alkanes compare with the boiling points of alkenes. Suggest an
explanation.
6. Predict which compound would have a higher boiling pointpentane or 2-pentene. Give a reason for your choice.
7. Predict how the melting point of pentane would compare to the melting point of octane.
8. Predict how the melting point of octane would compare to the melting point of 2-octene.
9. Most saturated fats are solid at room temperature, whereas unsaturated fats are liquids (oils). Explain how this
statement agrees with the data you analyzed.
131
The Melting Points and Boiling Points of Hydrocarbons

Generally speaking, the boiling points and melting points of hydrocarbons increase as the number of carbons in the molecule
increases. There are two reasons for this:
The attraction between molecules increases as the number of atoms within those molecule increases. If the attraction
between molecules is strong, more energy (or heat) is required to break those attractions to cause a change in state.
More energy is required to move something with greater mass. If the molecule is bigger, more energy (or heat) is
required to make it move.
Therefore, a larger number of carbons in a molecule results in higher melting and boiling points for the compounds
because of the stronger attractions between molecules and the greater mass. Smaller hydrocarbons, such as methane, CH4(g),
and ethane, C2H6(g), have weaker attractions between molecules and exist as gases at room temperature. Pentane, C5H12(l),
and octane, C8H18(l), have more carbons, so these compounds tend to be liquids. Waxes tend to have 20 carbons or more in
their molecules and are solid at room temperature.
Practice
31. Explain why pentane has a higher boiling point than butane.
32. Explain how a double bond affects the stability of a molecule.
33. For each group, order the compounds from highest boiling point to lowest boiling point.
a. pentane, propane, hexane
b. 1-pentene, pentane, 1-butene
c. 2-hexene, 2-heptene, 2-octene
The Reactivity of Hydrocarbons

The reactivity of hydrocarbons depends on other molecules around them. As a general rule, unsaturated hydrocarbons are
more reactive than saturated hydrocarbons, due to the bond strain associated with the double or triple bond between carbons.
If you make a molecular
model of a double bond or triple
The Reactivity of Hydrocarbons
bond, you will notice some stress
H
H
or tension in the bond. Recall
C C
that each spring in your model
H
H
kit represents a pair of electrons
ethene
shared by the two atoms with
double and triple bonds. Carbon
atoms joined by double and triple
H C C H
bonds have a greater number of
ethyne
electrons between the carbons than
singly bonded carbons. The larger
Recall that all electrons have a negative charge and, therefore, have a tendency
to repel each other.
number of electrons results in a
greater force of repulsion between
The close proximity of the electrons within double and triple bonds will increase
them. As a result, hydrocarbons
the repulsion forces between the electrons. This repulsion force increases the
with double or triple bonds are
stress within the bond and, therefore, increases the reactivity of the molecule.
more reactive than those with
single bonds.
The reactivity of unsaturated hydrocarbons is useful, especially when you look at industrial processes that use chemical
reactions to produce different products. Many plastics and artificial rubbers are produced from chemical reactions involving
unsaturated hydrocarbons. As you will see later, the breaking of double or triple bonds in short, unsaturated hydrocarbons
can be used to form long carbon chains with single bonds.
132
34. For each group, order the compounds from most reactive to least reactive.
a. 2-hexene, 2-hexyne, hexane
b. propane, ethene, 2-butyne
c. 3-octyne, heptane, 2-hexene
The Origins of Industrially Produced Trans Fatty Acids

Since butter tends to be expensive and vegetable oils less expensive, it seems to be a good idea to make a spreadable fat
from vegetable oil. However, it was not easy to manufacture a new fat that was soft enough to be spread smoothly on a
piece of bread. Early attempts produced a product that was too hard. Eventually, food scientists developed a process that
could produce an artificial fat from vegetable oil.
Figure A3.11: Industrially produced toppings should be able to spread as smoothly as butter.
Margarine is made by bubbling hydrogen gas through hot vegetable oil under pressure in a
special metal vat. The result is that the carbon double bond is broken and is replaced with two
single bonds to hydrogen atoms. Since two more hydrogen atoms can be added to the molecule
for every double bond that is broken, the process is called hydrogenation.
A Hydrogenation Reaction
H C
H C
H C H
hydrogenation: a
reaction that converts
carbon-carbon
double and triple
bonds in unsaturated
compounds into
carbon-carbon single
bonds of saturated
compounds
H C H
+
H-H
H C H
H C H
H C H
H C H
If the hydrogenation is complete, then all the double bonds have been broken. The result is a fat that is so hard that it
cannot be spread like butter. To solve this problem, the oil is only partially hydrogenated. This produces a soft, spreadable fat
called margarine. The high temperatures needed for the partial hydrogenation process seem to have an unintended effect on
some of the unsaturated molecules that remain in the vegetable oils. See if you can spot the difference in Figure A3.12.
133
Practice
Before Being Subjected to High Temperatures and Pressures
H
C C C H
H C C
C H
H C
H H H C H
H
H
H
H C
H C C H
H
C
H C
H
H
H
C
H C
H
H
H C
C H H
O
H C
H
H
OH
H
oleic acid: a fatty acid that is a component of plant oils

After Being Subjected to High Temperatures and Pressures
H H H H H H H H H
H H H H H H H
O
H C C C C C C C C C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
H H H H H H H H
OH
H H H H H H H H
elaidic acid: a trans fatty acid produced by the hydrogenation process
Figure A3.12: Can you spot the difference in the bonding within these two fatty acids that causes the difference in shape?
Although it may be obvious that the molecule after being subjected to high temperatures and pressures is no longer bent,
it is not as obvious why this occurred. Look at the position of the hydrogen atoms on either side of the double bond. In the
original oleic acid molecule, the hydrogen atoms are on the same side of the double bond, providing a gap so the molecule
can bend. In the elaidic acid molecule, the hydrogen atoms are on either side of the double bond, making the molecule more
symmetrical so the carbon chain remains straight. The position of the two hydrogen atoms is what makes the elaidic acid
molecule an industrially produced trans fatty acid. The word trans means across in Latin. Trans fatty acids produced by
this process can combine with other fatty acids to make an industrially produced trans fat. You might be surprised to know
that this industrial hydrogenation process generates a family of trans fatty acids that are completely different than what tends
to be produced naturally by plants and animals.
industrially produced trans fatty acid: a synthetic molecule that has the hydrogen
atoms on either side of the double bond, resulting in a straighter carbon chain
industrially produced trans fat: a fat molecule produced by partial hydrogenation
that contains at least one trans fatty acid chain
COMPARING MOLECULES
Most Fatty Acids Produced
Naturally by Plants and Animals
Hydrogen atoms are always on the same side of the double
bond, resulting in bent molecules.
The double bond occurs after carbon 3, 6, or 9 when counting
from the omega end. This accounts for omega-3, omega-6,
and omega-9 fatty acids.
The number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain is always
an even number.
134
Industrially Produced Trans fatty Acids

Manufactured Through Hydrogenation
Hydrogen atoms are on opposite sides of the double bond,
resulting in straight molecules.
The double bond can occur after almost any carbon in the
chain, but especially after carbons 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13.
The number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain could be
an odd or even number.
Practice
35. Consider Figure A3.12 on page 134. Explain why oleic acid is an oil at room temperature with a melting point of 4C,
whereas elaidic acid is a solid at room temperature with a melting point of 46.5C.
36. A theme you will encounter throughout Science 20 is how technological solutions to societal problems often create
new, unintended problems. Concisely describe how the industrial production of cholesterol-free, spreadable fats (like
margarine) illustrates this theme.
37. Consider the statement, Dietary cholesterol is found in butter but not in margarine.
a. Explain this statement.
b. Does this statement automatically mean that margarine is a healthier food choice?
38. Although the human body has no need for industrially produced trans fats, food manufacturers began to
deliberately add trans fats to foods in the 1980s. Use the Internet to determine why this was done.
Making Healthy Food Choices

Fats and oils are a major source of energy for the body. These
substances play key roles in the operation of the nervous
system and in other essential body functions. However, it is
important to choose foods that have moderate amounts of
unsaturated fatty acids, such as the monounsaturated fatty
acids found in olive oil or the omega-3 fatty acids found in
fish oils and flax seeds.
Saturated fats, industrially produced trans fats, and
dietary cholesterol are all substances that can significantly
increase your risk of heart disease. It is best to choose foods
that have the lowest amounts of these substances.
3.2 Summary
In this lesson you discovered that carbon atoms have the ability to form double and triple bonds. The molecules that contain
only single carbon-carbon bonds are called saturated compounds; molecules that contain double or triple carbon-carbon
bonds are called unsaturated compounds. Unsaturated compounds can be further subdivided into compounds with double
carbon-carbon bonds, called alkenes, and compounds with triple carbon-carbon bonds, called alkynes. Scientists and
industries have created a system to name unsaturated compounds.
In terms of properties, as you increase the number of carbons within a carbon chain, the compounds melting point and
boiling point also increases. Since double and triple carbon-carbon bonds experience bond strain, these bonds are less stable
than single bonds. This is why unsaturated compounds are more chemically reactive than saturated compounds.
It is important to choose foods that contain the least amount of saturated fats, industrially produced trans fatty acids, and
cholesterol. People who eat foods that contain high amounts of these substances have been shown to have a significantly high
risk for heart disease.
135
Biochemists and nutritionists are concerned because the molecules of trans fatty acids are so different from the natural fatty
acids that our bodies need to stay healthy. Nobody knows all the effects that these substances will have on the human body.
One known property is linked to the fact that trans fatty acids have a straight chain of carbon atoms. This means that these
molecules have some properties in common with saturated fatty acids found in butter, cheese, beef, and coconut oil. Because
these molecules tend to be solid at room temperature, they have a greater likelihood of clogging up your arteries. Eating foods
rich in saturated fats or trans fats should be avoided for the same reason that bacon fat shouldnt be poured down the drain:
it will clog up the pipes. Deposits that develop inside arteries that lead to the heart and brain can
dietary cholesterol: a
cause heart attacks and strokes. Another component of food that also contributes to the buildup of
substance found in food
fat deposits in blood vessels is dietary cholesterol.
from animal sources
Studies from all over the world are indicating that industrially produced trans fats pose an even
greater risk for heart disease than saturated fats. A study in Denmark indicates that, gram for gram, industrially produced
trans fats contribute to a more than ten times greater risk of developing heart disease than do naturally produced saturated fats.
3.2 Questions
Knowledge
1. Define and provide an example for the following terms.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
10. The following nutrition facts describe the contents of

butter, margarine sold in tubs, and margarine sold in
rectangular blocks.
saturated compound
unsaturated compound
alkane
alkene
alkyne
NUTRITION FACTS
FOR BUTTER
2. Describe how the number of carbon atoms within a

compound affects the melting point and boiling point
of that compound.
3. Why are alkenes more reactive than alkanes?
4. Why are alkynes more reactive than alkenes?
Applying Concepts
5. Name the following compounds.
a.
CH3 CH2 C C
CH CH3
CH2
CH3
CH3
b.
CH2
CH3 CH
C CH2 CH CH2 CH3

CH3
6. Looking at physical properties, explain why it is more

convenient to use octane as a fuel for cars than methane
or ethane.
7. Provide a condensed structural diagram for each
compound.
a.
b.
c.
d.
2,3-dimethyl-1-pentene
3-ethyl-4-methyl-1-pentyne
3-methyl-3-octene
4-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl-3-hexene
8. Complete each reaction by drawing the complete

structural diagram of the product.
a.
H H
H C C C C H +H H
H
H H
b.
H C C C C H + 2(H H)
H
H
136
9. Refer to your answer to question 8. Identify which type

of reaction is illustrated by all of these reactions.
(per serving, 14 g)
Energy
Total fat
Saturated fat
Trans fat
Cholesterol
100 cal (419 kJ)

11 g
7g
0g
30 g
NUTRITION FACTS
FOR TUB MARGARINE
(per serving, 14 g)
Energy
Total fat
Saturated fat
Trans fat
Cholesterol
60 cal (251 kJ)

7g
1g
0g
0g
NUTRITION FACTS
FOR BLOCK MARGARINE
(per serving, 14 g)
Energy
Total fat
Saturated fat
Trans fat
Cholesterol
100 cal (419 kJ)

11 g
2g
3g
0g
Which of these three foods would be the healthiest

choice if you wanted to reduce the risks associated
with heart disease? Concisely support your answer.
Photo Credits and Acknowledgements

All photographs, illustrations, and text contained in this book have been created by or for Alberta Education, unless noted herein or
elsewhere in this Science 20 textbook.
Alberta Education wishes to thank the following rights holders for granting permission to incorporate their works into this textbook.
Every effort has been made to identify and acknowledge the appropriate rights holder for each third-party work. Please notify Alberta
Education of any errors or omissions so that corrective action may be taken.
Legend: t = top, m = middle, b = bottom, l = left, r = right
122 (br) Phildate/Dreamstime.com 127 (r) Digital Vision/
GettyImages 135 Digital Vision/Getty Images

Sci20 Unita 3 2

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Sci20 Unita 3 2

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Sci20 Unita 3 2

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Science 20 2006 Alberta Education (www.education.gov.ab.ca). Third-party copyright credits are listed on the attached copyright credit page.

3.2 Saturated and Unsaturated Hydrocarbons

large portion of French fries

bag of microwave popcorn

Unit A: Chemical Change

Two hydrogen atoms leave the

Both carbons have an unbonded

The closest thing to bond with is

Both carbons bond with each other

Making a Triple Bond

Two hydrogen atoms leave the

The carbons are not stable until

Note: Hydrocarbons with double and triple bonds

The complete structural diagram

saturated hydrocarbon: a hydrocarbon containing only

Chapter 3: Organic Chemistry

The Difference Between Animal Fats and Plant Oils

fatty acid: an organic molecule consisting of

Unit A: Chemical Change

fatty acids having more than one double bond

Essential Fatty Acids

essential fatty acid: a fatty acid that the body

Chapter 3: Organic Chemistry

Try This Activity

molecular model kit

Analyzing and Interpreting

Only Single Bonds,

Unit A: Chemical Change

Example Problem 3.2

b. This hydrocarbon uses the

a. This hydrocarbon uses the

Using the IUPAC naming system, the following

When acetylene is burned alone, it can produce

Chapter 3: Organic Chemistry

Naming Hydrocarbons with a Double or Triple Bond

Example Problem 3.3

CH3 CH2 CH2

CH3 CH2 CH2

Example Problem 3.4

Example Problem 3.5

The double bond for this molecule is between carbon 1

double bond after

Unit A: Chemical Change

one double bond

one triple bond

28. Name the following compounds.

CH3 CH2 CH CH CH2 CH3

Chapter 3: Organic Chemistry

Saturated and Unsaturated Compounds in Food

Performing and Recording

molecular model kit

Unit A: Chemical Change

Try This Activity

Number of Carbon Atoms

Boiling Point (C)

Comparing Boiling Points of

Boiling Point (C)

Number of Carbon Atoms

Chapter 3: Organic Chemistry