How do unsaturated molecules differ from saturated molecules?

Unsaturated molecules are characterized by the presence of one or more double or triple bonds between carbon atoms in their structure. This configuration results in fewer hydrogen atoms than saturated molecules, which are composed entirely of single bonds and therefore can hold the maximum number of hydrogen atoms. The presence of these multiple bonds in unsaturated molecules introduces sites of reactivity that can participate in chemical reactions, such as addition reactions.

In contrast, saturated molecules, which contain only single bonds, are generally more stable and less reactive due to their fully hydrogenated status. Understanding the distinction between saturated and unsaturated molecules is crucial in organic chemistry, particularly in the context of reactivity and the formation of different types of organic compounds.