Unsaturated hydrocarbons are organic compounds that contain at least one double or triple bond between carbon atoms. Unlike saturated hydrocarbons, which only have single bonds, these compounds can react more easily with other substances. Common examples of unsaturated hydrocarbons include alkenes, which have double bonds, and alkynes, which have triple bonds.
These compounds play a crucial role in various chemical reactions and are often found in natural products like vegetable oils and fats. Their reactivity makes them important in the production of many industrial chemicals, including plastics and synthetic fibers.