Do all compounds have to be either saturated or unsaturated? Can a compound be either?
The answer as asked is NO Saturated or unsaturated refers to organic compounds only…there are many compounds that are not organic….. But if you are referring to only organic compounds, the answer is yes. No, an organic compound has to be either saturated or unsaturated. This is determined by the type bonding. In organic chemistry, a saturated compound has no double or triple bonds. In saturated linear hydrocarbons, every carbon atom is attached to two hydrogen atoms, except those at the ends of the chain, which bear three hydrogen atoms. In the case of saturated methane, four hydrogen atoms are attached to the single, central carbon atom. Aliphatic is a subgroup of organic compounds that can be made form halogens, and in particular chlorine. So yes, it is possible.
