Saturated compounds are organic molecules that contain only single bonds between their carbon atoms. This means that each carbon atom is bonded to as many hydrogen atoms as possible, resulting in a structure that is "saturated" with hydrogen. Common examples of saturated compounds include alkanes, which are hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2.
These compounds are typically more stable than unsaturated compounds, which contain double or triple bonds. Saturated compounds are found in various natural sources, such as fats and oils, and play a crucial role in biological processes. Their stability makes them important in many industrial applications, including fuels and lubricants.