Adsorption and Degree of Unsaturation

Adsorption and Degree of Unsaturation

Edited By Shivani Poonia | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 07:06 PM IST

The degree of unsaturation in an organic chemical compound is one of the basic tools a chemist can use to infer molecular structure and suggest chemical reactivity. It is a handy way of pointing out double-bonded and ring compounds and sites unavailable for further reaction in a molecule, characterizing the behavior of a molecule in chemical reactions and its applications in fields so different as medicine and agriculture.

This Story also Contains
  1. Adsorption and Degree of Unsaturation
  2. Degree of Unsaturation
  3. Various Aspects of Adsorption and Extent of Unsaturation
  4. Relevance and Application in Real Life and Academia
  5. Some Solved Examples
  6. Summary
Adsorption and Degree of Unsaturation
Adsorption and Degree of Unsaturation

These topics will be touched upon and explained from the very definitions up to the very basic principles of these phenomena. With application, mention will be made of the different types and modes of adsorption, and their corresponding significance for a set of industrially and environmentally protective applications. This is then followed by the various aspects of the concept of unsaturation, hallmarked by the main research and exploitation of organic compounds made up of numerous components or the sensitivity Parameter in synthetic chemistry and structural elucidation.


Adsorption and Degree of Unsaturation

Adsorption refers to a process that involves the adhesion of molecules or ions onto the surface of solids or liquids. Thus, separation techniques, catalysis, and environmental remediation are various important processes where it is put into use. The degree of unsaturation is another important concept in organic chemistry, which allows an estimate of the number of rings and multiple bonds in a molecule, very useful in structure elucidation and determination of their chemical nature. Understanding of these concepts is, however, derived from their definitions and underpinning principles.

Adsorption
The phenomenon of the deposition of particles on the surface of the adsorbent is called adsorption.

Adsorption α1 size
Adsorption α1 crowding
Adsorption α1 stability

For example, the rate of adsorption among the following molecules is higher for cyclopentene.
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Cyclopentene Cyclohexene

Since the size of cyclopentene is smaller than cyclohexene, thus the rate of adsorption is higher for cyclopentene than cyclohexene.

Occlusion
The adsorption of hydrogen on the surface of the noble metals is known as occlusion. These noble metals can be Platinum or Palladium.

Degree of Unsaturation

It is the calculation to analyze the total number of double bonds and rings in the organic compound. It is also known as the index of hydrogen deficiency or unsaturation index.

  • The degree of unsaturation for simple compounds like benzene is given as:
    Degree of unsaturation = Number of pi bonds + Number of rings
    Thus, Degree of unsaturation = 3 + 1 = 4 (Since there are 3 double bonds in the benzene ring and 1 ring is only present)
  • For complex compounds like C10H6 N4 the degree of unsaturation is given as follows:
    These complex compounds can be represented asCxHyNzOpXq. Now, the degree of unsaturation for complex compounds is given using the following formula: Degree of Unsaturation =(C+1)−(H−N+X)2
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Where C is the number of Carbon atoms, H is the number of Hydrogen atoms, N is the number of Nitrogen atoms and X is the number of Halogen atoms. It is to be noted that the Oxygen atoms have no bearing on the degree of unsaturation

Now for the compound C10H6 N4 we have, x=10,y=6 and z=4
Thus, degree of unsaturation = (10 + 1) - (6 + 0 - 4)/2
Degree of unsaturation = 10

Various Aspects of Adsorption and Extent of Unsaturation


Two types of adsorption are physical adsorption and chemical adsorption, which are governed according to their kinds of mechanisms and energy considerations. Physical adsorption involves weak van der Waals forces, and chemical adsorption involves covalent bonds between adsorbate and adsorbent surfaces. The degree of unsaturation is only a property of the molecule that simply defines the presence of pi bonds due to multiple bonds in a molecule, whereas the molecule is not fully saturated with the structure. Examples are aromatic compounds, which contain double bonds or compounds with rings, such as benzene.

Relevance and Application in Real Life and Academia

The industrial relevance of adsorption varies from treatment of wastewater, purification of gases, and production of pharmaceuticals. Catalysts utilize adsorption to assist the best rates of chemical reactions through the provision of active sites of reactants. The unsaturation indices are very critical in the structure elucidation processes of hard organic compounds in academia; further, they influence synthetic plans. Knowledge of concepts allows material science and environmental technology innovations.

Recommended Topic video on (Adsorption and Degree of Unsaturation)

Some Solved Examples

Example 1:

Question:
Assertion: For hydrogenation reactions, the catalytic activity increases from Group 5 to Group 11 metals with maximum activity shown by Group 7-9 elements.

Reason: The reactants are most strongly adsorbed on group 7-9 elements.

1)The assertion is true, but the reason is false.

2)Both assertion and reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation for the assertion.

3)Both assertion and reason are true but the reason is the correct explanation for the assertion.

4) (correct)Both assertion and reason are false.

Solution:
Assertion: False. The statement that catalytic activity increases from Group 5 to Group 11 metals with maximum activity in Group 7-9 elements is incorrect. Group 7-9 metals do not typically participate effectively in hydrogenation reactions.

Reason: False. The assertion that reactants are most strongly adsorbed on Group 7-9 elements is inaccurate. These metals do not exhibit strong adsorption properties relevant to hydrogenation.

Therefore, both the assertion and reason are false. The correct option is 4) Both assertion and reason are false.

Example 2:

Question:
The number of (sp3)sp3 hybridized carbons in an acyclic neutral compound with molecular formula C4H5N(C4H5N) is _________.

"Only $-\mathrm{C} \equiv \mathrm{N}$ contain compound"

1) 1

2) 2

3)3

4)4

Solution:
To determine the number of (sp3) hybridized carbons:
Molecular formula (C4H5N) suggests a degree of unsaturation (DOU) of 3.
- Possible structures include those with 1 (sp3) hybridized carbon.

Therefore, the answer is 1).

Example 3:

Question:
The total number of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines possible with the molecular formula (C3H9N) respectively is:

1) 6
2) 3
3) 4 (correct)
4) 5

Solution:
To find the number of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines:
- Molecular formula (C3H9N) suggests all three nitrogen atoms can be substituted by different alkyl groups.
- Thus, there are 4 possible types: 1°, 2°, and 3° amines.

Therefore, the correct answer is 3) 4.

Summary

Fundamentally, adsorption and unsaturation degrees are two pivotal concepts in chemistry, with extremely broad applications within the rubric of both industry and academia. On the one hand, adsorption controls surface interactions that are cardinal in processes such as catalysis and separation. On the other hand, the degree of unsaturation guides structure analysis and chemical reactivity in the realm of organic chemistry. Sure! Here are the full answers to each of the


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. 1. Adsorption - what is it, and how does it differ from absorption?

Adsorption: The process where molecules or ions are attached to a surface area. It's the technique by which the molecules of a gas or fluid are solid or liquid attracted to an adjacent solid or liquid material's surface, leading to the formation of a film or layer. There is no penetration or entry inside the substance, but just accumulation on its surface. The adsorption process is driven by the attractive forces, either van der Waals or electrostatic.
Absorption: It may be defined as; it is the process whereby one material permeates into the bulk of another, and an absorbed entity is formed. It is normally a homogeneous solution or dispersion in the entire absorbing material, in contrast with adsorption, which is an accumulation on the surface.

2. 2. How is the degree of unsaturation calculated in organic chemistry?

The formula to calculate these will be: DU=(2C+2+N−X)/2
where: 

- C is the number of carbons within the molecule
- N is the number of Nitrogens within the molecule
- X

X is equal to the number of halogen and heteroatoms of this molecule, such as oxygen, sulfur


It's a value the chemists use to estimate the number of rings or multiple bonds, which are pi bonds, in an organic. That way, it basically tells the molecular structure and thus the physical properties :

3. 3. Some practical applications of adsorption are:

   Adsorption has huge practical applications; say,
 Purification: In the process of adsorption, activated carbon acts as a vehicle for water impurities. These might include things like organic matter, chlorine, and heavy metals.
Air Filtration: Adsorbents like zeolites and activated carbon help air filtration in decontaminating from volatile organic compounds, odors, and other airborne pollutants.
Catalysis: Catalysts generally have an adsorption process of reactants on their active sites, which initiates a chemical reaction mechanism or helps in better optimizing the chemical reactions. This is most commonly noticed in the case of catalytic converters in the automobile system, which theoretically helps in reducing and better optimizing the exhaust with far lower drive.
Medical Applications: Use of adsorption in different medical applications including the likes of applications in hemodialysis machines, wherein the activated charcoal is used to adsorb the toxins from blood.
    Environmental Cleanup: The technologies related to adsorption are used in the remediation of hydrocarbons and other pollutants in the soil.

4. 4. Why is the degree of unsaturation important in organic synthesis?

The applications of organic compound unsaturation degree in innumerable ways include the following prediction of reaction. In that way, it does so by the presence of double or triple bonds or aromatic rings in the organic molecule guiding ideas on possible synthetic routes.
Elucidating the Structure: Relating the observed no. of unsaturation to possible molecular formula allows for the location of the structure of unknown organic compounds.
Identification of Functional Groups: Unsaturated particles identify functional groups and, consequently their reactivity, is applied in synthesizing some compounds to have the recommended properties.

5. 5. How does adsorption contribute to environmental sustainability?

Such technologies, therefore, play a very vital role in ensuring environmental sustainability in the following ways:
• Adsorption Technologies for Pollutant Removal: They can efficiently capture and remove contaminants in the air, water, and soil to make the environment cleaner and hence reduce health risks.
• Resource Conservation: The adsorption process removes waste contaminants, heavy metals, and organic compounds from wastewater and industrial emissions. Thus, this allows the conservation of natural resources and helps in supporting sustainable measures.
Emission Control: The technologies based on adsorption are also very crucial in controlling air emissions from industries and vehicles; therefore, they have the effect of reducing the impacts of such pollutants on air quality and climate change.
Waste management: The adsorption process allows for the treatment of industrial effluents and hazardous wastes and observes regulations on sustainable waste disposal.

6. What is the concept of adsorption equilibrium in hydrocarbon systems?
Adsorption equilibrium occurs when the rate of adsorption equals the rate of desorption. At this point, the concentration of adsorbed hydrocarbon remains constant. This equilibrium is important in understanding the maximum adsorption capacity of a system.
7. What is the significance of the BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) theory in hydrocarbon adsorption?
The BET theory extends the Langmuir model to multilayer adsorption. It's particularly useful for describing the adsorption of hydrocarbon gases onto porous solids and is commonly used to determine the surface area of adsorbents.
8. What is the role of activated carbon in hydrocarbon adsorption?
Activated carbon is a highly porous material with a large surface area, making it an excellent adsorbent for hydrocarbons. Its non-polar surface attracts non-polar hydrocarbon molecules, allowing for efficient removal of organic compounds from gases or liquids.
9. How does the shape of a hydrocarbon molecule affect its adsorption behavior?
The shape of a hydrocarbon molecule can significantly affect its adsorption. Linear molecules may be more easily adsorbed into narrow pores, while branched or cyclic hydrocarbons might have difficulty fitting into small pores but could have stronger interactions with the adsorbent surface.
10. How does pressure affect the adsorption of gaseous hydrocarbons?
Generally, increasing pressure increases the adsorption of gaseous hydrocarbons. This is because higher pressure forces more gas molecules into contact with the adsorbent surface, increasing the likelihood of adsorption.
11. How does the degree of unsaturation relate to hydrocarbon structure?
The degree of unsaturation indicates the number of double or triple bonds (or rings) in a hydrocarbon molecule. It represents how many hydrogen atoms are "missing" compared to the corresponding saturated hydrocarbon.
12. How is the degree of unsaturation calculated for a hydrocarbon?
The degree of unsaturation is calculated using the formula: Degree of Unsaturation = C + 1 - (H/2) - (X/2), where C is the number of carbon atoms, H is the number of hydrogen atoms, and X is the number of halogen atoms.
13. What is the relationship between the degree of unsaturation and the empirical formula of a hydrocarbon?
The empirical formula alone cannot determine the degree of unsaturation. However, if you know the molecular formula and the empirical formula, you can calculate the degree of unsaturation using the molecular formula.
14. How does the degree of unsaturation affect the boiling point of hydrocarbons?
Generally, for hydrocarbons with the same number of carbon atoms, those with a higher degree of unsaturation have higher boiling points. This is due to stronger intermolecular forces (pi stacking) between unsaturated molecules.
15. How does the presence of functional groups affect the degree of unsaturation in hydrocarbons?
Functional groups like carbonyls (C=O) or imines (C=N) contribute to the degree of unsaturation in the same way as C=C double bonds. However, groups like -OH or -NH2 do not affect the degree of unsaturation.
16. Why is adsorption important in the purification of hydrocarbons?
Adsorption is crucial in hydrocarbon purification because it can selectively remove impurities or separate different hydrocarbons based on their molecular structure and polarity. This process is widely used in the petroleum industry for refining crude oil.
17. How does molecular size affect adsorption in hydrocarbons?
Generally, smaller hydrocarbon molecules are more easily adsorbed than larger ones because they can fit into smaller pores of the adsorbent material. However, this can vary depending on the specific adsorbent and conditions.
18. How does temperature affect the adsorption of hydrocarbons?
Generally, adsorption is an exothermic process, so increasing temperature reduces adsorption. Higher temperatures increase the kinetic energy of molecules, making it harder for them to stick to the adsorbent surface.
19. What is the significance of the Langmuir adsorption isotherm in hydrocarbon adsorption?
The Langmuir isotherm is a model that describes adsorption of hydrocarbons onto a surface at constant temperature. It assumes monolayer coverage and helps predict the amount of hydrocarbon adsorbed at different pressures or concentrations.
20. How does the degree of unsaturation affect the reactivity of hydrocarbons?
Hydrocarbons with a higher degree of unsaturation (more double or triple bonds) are generally more reactive. This is because pi bonds are areas of high electron density, making them prone to reactions like addition and oxidation.
21. What is adsorption in the context of hydrocarbons?
Adsorption is the process where hydrocarbon molecules adhere to the surface of a solid material, typically a porous substance like activated carbon. This is different from absorption, where molecules penetrate into the bulk of a material.
22. What is the relationship between the degree of unsaturation and the number of pi bonds in a hydrocarbon?
The degree of unsaturation is directly related to the number of pi bonds. Each double bond contributes one degree of unsaturation, while each triple bond contributes two. Rings also contribute to the degree of unsaturation.
23. What is the role of van der Waals forces in hydrocarbon adsorption?
Van der Waals forces play a crucial role in hydrocarbon adsorption. These weak intermolecular forces cause the hydrocarbon molecules to be attracted to the adsorbent surface. The strength of these forces depends on the size and shape of the hydrocarbon molecules.
24. What is the difference between physisorption and chemisorption in hydrocarbon adsorption?
Physisorption involves weak van der Waals forces between the hydrocarbon and the adsorbent, while chemisorption involves the formation of chemical bonds. Physisorption is reversible and occurs at low temperatures, while chemisorption is often irreversible and occurs at higher temperatures.
25. How does the polarity of a hydrocarbon affect its adsorption behavior?
Non-polar hydrocarbons are more easily adsorbed onto non-polar adsorbents (like activated carbon) due to van der Waals forces. Polar hydrocarbons or those with polar functional groups may be better adsorbed onto polar adsorbents through stronger interactions.
26. What is the significance of the adsorption isotherm in studying hydrocarbon adsorption?
An adsorption isotherm shows the relationship between the amount of adsorbed hydrocarbon and its concentration or pressure in the bulk phase at constant temperature. It's crucial for understanding adsorption capacity, mechanism, and adsorbent-adsorbate interactions.
27. How does the concept of saturation relate to both adsorption and degree of unsaturation in hydrocarbons?
In adsorption, saturation refers to the maximum amount of hydrocarbon that can be adsorbed onto a surface. In terms of molecular structure, saturation refers to hydrocarbons with only single bonds (no degree of unsaturation). These concepts are distinct but both relate to the "fullness" of a system.
28. What is the role of pi bonds in determining the degree of unsaturation?
Pi bonds are a key factor in determining the degree of unsaturation. Each pi bond (found in double or triple bonds) contributes to the degree of unsaturation. Double bonds contribute one, and triple bonds contribute two to the degree of unsaturation.
29. How does the concept of aromaticity relate to the degree of unsaturation in hydrocarbons?
Aromatic compounds, like benzene, have a higher degree of unsaturation than their formula might suggest. The cyclic, conjugated pi system in aromatics contributes to the degree of unsaturation, with benzene having a degree of unsaturation of 4 despite its formula C6H6.
30. What is the difference between adsorption and absorption in the context of hydrocarbons?
Adsorption is the adhesion of hydrocarbon molecules to the surface of an adsorbent, while absorption involves the penetration of hydrocarbon molecules into the bulk of the absorbent material. Adsorption is a surface phenomenon, while absorption occurs throughout the volume of the material.
31. How does the presence of heteroatoms affect the degree of unsaturation in organic compounds?
Heteroatoms like oxygen or nitrogen can contribute to the degree of unsaturation when they form double or triple bonds (e.g., C=O, C≡N). However, single bonds to heteroatoms (e.g., C-O, C-N) do not contribute to the degree of unsaturation.
32. What is the significance of the hysteresis loop in adsorption-desorption isotherms of hydrocarbons?
A hysteresis loop in adsorption-desorption isotherms indicates that the adsorption and desorption processes follow different paths. This is often observed in porous materials and can provide information about pore structure and the mechanism of adsorption.
33. How does the degree of unsaturation affect the heat of hydrogenation of hydrocarbons?
Hydrocarbons with a higher degree of unsaturation release more heat during hydrogenation. This is because more energy is released when multiple pi bonds are converted to sigma bonds during the hydrogenation process.
34. What is the role of surface area in the adsorption of hydrocarbons?
Surface area plays a crucial role in adsorption. A larger surface area provides more sites for hydrocarbon molecules to adsorb, increasing the overall adsorption capacity. This is why highly porous materials with large surface areas, like activated carbon, are effective adsorbents.
35. How does the degree of unsaturation affect the stability of hydrocarbons?
Generally, hydrocarbons with a higher degree of unsaturation are less stable than their saturated counterparts. This is because pi bonds are more reactive than sigma bonds. However, some unsaturated systems, like aromatic compounds, can be exceptionally stable due to resonance.
36. What is the relationship between adsorption and catalysis in hydrocarbon reactions?
Adsorption often plays a crucial role in catalysis. Many catalytic reactions involve the adsorption of reactants onto a catalyst surface, where the reaction occurs, followed by desorption of products. The strength of adsorption can significantly affect catalytic activity and selectivity.
37. How does the degree of unsaturation affect the solubility of hydrocarbons in water?
Generally, hydrocarbons with a higher degree of unsaturation are slightly more soluble in water than their saturated counterparts. This is because pi bonds can interact weakly with water molecules. However, all hydrocarbons are generally hydrophobic and have low water solubility.
38. What is the concept of adsorption kinetics in hydrocarbon systems?
Adsorption kinetics describes the rate at which hydrocarbon molecules adsorb onto a surface. It typically involves several steps: diffusion to the surface, surface diffusion, and actual adsorption. Understanding these kinetics is crucial for designing efficient adsorption processes.
39. How does the degree of unsaturation affect the infrared (IR) spectroscopy of hydrocarbons?
The degree of unsaturation significantly affects IR spectra. Unsaturated hydrocarbons show characteristic peaks for C=C (around 1600-1680 cm^-1) and C≡C (around 2100-2260 cm^-1) stretching vibrations, which are absent in saturated hydrocarbons.
40. What is the role of pore size distribution in the adsorption of hydrocarbons?
Pore size distribution is crucial in hydrocarbon adsorption. Micropores (<2 nm) are effective for small molecules, mesopores (2-50 nm) for larger molecules, and macropores (>50 nm) facilitate the transport of molecules to smaller pores. The right distribution can optimize adsorption for specific hydrocarbons.
41. How does the degree of unsaturation affect the reactivity of hydrocarbons towards electrophilic addition reactions?
Hydrocarbons with a higher degree of unsaturation are more reactive towards electrophilic addition reactions. This is because pi bonds are electron-rich and can easily attack electrophiles. Double bonds undergo addition reactions, while triple bonds can undergo multiple additions.
42. What is the concept of competitive adsorption in hydrocarbon mixtures?
Competitive adsorption occurs when different hydrocarbon species compete for adsorption sites on a surface. The extent of adsorption for each species depends on factors like their concentration, molecular size, shape, and affinity for the adsorbent surface.
43. How does the degree of unsaturation affect the NMR spectra of hydrocarbons?
The degree of unsaturation significantly affects NMR spectra. Unsaturated hydrocarbons show peaks at higher chemical shifts (downfield) in 1H NMR due to the deshielding effect of pi bonds. 13C NMR also shows characteristic peaks for sp2 and sp hybridized carbons.
44. What is the significance of the Freundlich adsorption isotherm in hydrocarbon adsorption?
The Freundlich isotherm is an empirical model that describes non-ideal, reversible adsorption on heterogeneous surfaces. It's often used when the Langmuir model doesn't fit experimental data well, particularly for complex hydrocarbon mixtures or on non-uniform surfaces.
45. How does the degree of unsaturation affect the heat of combustion of hydrocarbons?
Generally, hydrocarbons with a higher degree of unsaturation have lower heats of combustion per mole. This is because some energy has already been invested in forming the pi bonds, leaving less energy to be released during combustion.
46. What is the role of surface diffusion in the adsorption of hydrocarbons?
Surface diffusion is the movement of adsorbed hydrocarbon molecules along the adsorbent surface. It plays a crucial role in the overall adsorption process, affecting the rate at which equilibrium is reached and the distribution of adsorbate molecules on the surface.
47. How does the degree of unsaturation affect the UV-Vis spectroscopy of hydrocarbons?
The degree of unsaturation greatly affects UV-Vis spectra. Unsaturated hydrocarbons, especially those with conjugated systems, absorb at longer wavelengths due to pi→pi* transitions. Increasing conjugation (higher degree of unsaturation) shifts absorption to even longer wavelengths.
48. What is the concept of adsorption enthalpy in hydrocarbon systems?
Adsorption enthalpy is the heat released when hydrocarbon molecules are adsorbed onto a surface. It's a measure of the strength of the adsorbate-adsorbent interaction. Generally, a more negative adsorption enthalpy indicates stronger adsorption.
49. How does the degree of unsaturation affect the density of hydrocarbons?
Generally, for hydrocarbons with the same number of carbon atoms, those with a higher degree of unsaturation have higher densities. This is because unsaturated molecules can pack more closely together due to their more planar structure and potential for pi stacking.
50. What is the significance of the Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm in hydrocarbon adsorption?
The Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm is useful for describing adsorption of hydrocarbons on microporous adsorbents. It takes into account the porous structure of the adsorbent and is particularly useful for describing adsorption at low pressures or concentrations.
51. How does the concept of adsorption selectivity apply to hydrocarbon mixtures?
Adsorption selectivity refers to the preferential adsorption of certain hydrocarbon species over others in a mixture. It depends on factors like molecular size, shape, polarity, and the nature of the adsorbent surface. Understanding selectivity is crucial for separation processes.
52. What is the relationship between the degree of unsaturation and the carbon-hydrogen ratio in hydrocarbons?
As the degree of unsaturation increases, the carbon-hydrogen ratio increases. This is because unsaturated hydrocarbons have fewer hydrogen atoms relative to carbon atoms compared to their saturated counterparts.
53. How does the presence of branching affect both adsorption and the degree of unsaturation in hydrocarbons?
Branching doesn't affect the degree of unsaturation, but it can significantly impact adsorption. Branched hydrocarbons may have difficulty accessing small pores in adsorbents, potentially reducing adsorption. However, branching can sometimes increase adsorption by

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