Acidities of simple saturated hydrocarbons were studied using ab initio G2 and CCSD(T)/6-311+G * * , and DFT B3LYP/6-311+G * * calculations. The results suggest a 1.4kcal/mol lower basicity for the isopropyl anion relative to the current experimental value. Charge densities of the studied neutrals, anions, and radicals were analyzed using Bader's topological charge density analysis. The acidity trends in saturated hydrocarbons were rationalized based on substituent electronegativity (field/inductive) and polarizability effects.