Question

What are paraffins and olefins? Give one example of each and write chemical reaction to differentiate them.

Answer 1

Paraffins : Paraffins is a Latin word which means (Parum = little + affinis = reactivity). These are saturated hydrocarbons, which are also called alkanes. They contain carbon-carbon single bonds. There general formula is C_nH_{2n + 2}.
Example : Methane (CH₄)
Olefins : Olefins means oil forming. These are unsaturated hydrocarbons containing atleast one double bond. These are also called alkenes. Their general formula is C_n H_2n.
Example : Ethylene (C₂H₄)