Understanding Saturated Hydrocarbons
Saturated hydrocarbons are organic compounds that contain only carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms, with all carbon-carbon bonds being single bonds. This means they are "saturated" with hydrogen atoms. They can be either straight-chain or branched, but they do not contain any double or triple bonds.
Characteristics of Saturated Hydrocarbons
- Single Bonds Only: They contain only single covalent bonds between carbon atoms.
- General Formula: The general formula for saturated hydrocarbons is CnH2n+2.
- Examples: Common examples include alkanes like pentane, hexane, and cycloalkanes like cyclohexane.
Identifying Benzene
Among the options provided, benzene is not a saturated hydrocarbon. Here’s why:
- Presence of Double Bonds: Benzene (C6H6) contains a ring structure with alternating double bonds, making it an aromatic hydrocarbon.
- Aromatic Nature: The presence of resonance in benzene results in its unique stability and distinct properties, distinguishing it from saturated hydrocarbons.
Analysis of Other Options
- Cyclohexane: A saturated hydrocarbon with the formula C6H12, consisting entirely of single bonds.
- Butane: An alkane (C4H10) that is saturated, having only single bonds.
- Isobutane: A branched alkane (C4H10) that is also saturated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct answer is option ‘B’ (Benzene), as it is classified as an unsaturated hydrocarbon due to the presence of double bonds in its structure, while the other options are saturated hydrocarbons.

Benzene