Why are saturated molecules generally less reactive than unsaturated molecules?

Saturated molecules are generally less reactive than unsaturated molecules primarily due to the presence of single bonds only. Saturated hydrocarbons, such as alkanes, consist entirely of carbon-carbon single bonds, which are typically strong and stable. This stability means that the saturated molecules do not readily participate in chemical reactions.

In contrast, unsaturated molecules contain one or more double or triple bonds between carbon atoms, which are more reactive due to the presence of pi (π) bonds. These pi bonds can be more easily broken than sigma (σ) bonds found in saturated compounds, making unsaturated molecules more likely to react in various chemical reactions, such as addition reactions.

While other options mention different characteristics, such as structural isomers or functional groups, the unique bond structure of saturated versus unsaturated molecules primarily dictates their reactivity. Therefore, the presence of single bonds in saturated molecules directly contributes to their lower reactivity compared to unsaturated molecules.