Why Unsaturated Compounds Are More Reactive?

The unsaturated hydrocarbons are more reactive due to the presence of double and triple bonded carbon atoms as these are weaker than the single bonded saturated hydrocarbons due to the presence of weaker pi bonds and thus, when a reaction takes place, these unsaturated hydrocarbons break down easily as compared to ...

Why are saturated hydrocarbons more reactive?

Saturated molecules have only sigma bonds, which are very stable and hard to break. Unsaturated molecules, however, have pi bonds, and they are weaker. They deform the orbitals slightly and are more strained. Therefore, they are easier to break and will react faster.

Which compounds are more reactive saturated or unsaturated?

An unsaturated hydrocarbon is more reactive. Saturated molecules have only sigma bonds, which are very stable and hard to break. Unsaturated molecules, however, have pi bonds, and they are weaker. They deform the orbitals slightly and are more strained.