What is saturated and unsaturated carbon compounds?

Unsaturated hydrocarbons have double or triple covalent bonds between adjacent carbon atoms. The term "unsaturated" means more hydrogen atoms may be added to the hydrocarbon to make it saturated (i.e. consisting all single bonds).

An important class of saturated compounds are the alkenes and alkynes.

Saturated hydrocarbons have only single bonds between carbon atoms. An important class of saturated compounds are alkanes.