
What is the function of a hydrocarbon?
Hydrocarbons are the principal constituents of petroleum and natural gas. They serve as fuels and lubricants as well as raw materials for the production of plastics, fibres, rubbers, solvents, explosives, and industrial chemicals. Many hydrocarbons occur in nature.
What is the formula of the hydrocarbon?
They are composed entirely of single bonds and are saturated with hydrogen. The formula for acyclic saturated hydrocarbons (i.e., alkanes) is C n H 2n+2. : 623 The most general form of saturated hydrocarbons is C n H 2n+2 (1-r), where r is the number of rings.
What is an example of a hydrocarbon?
There are two types of hydrocarbons: aliphatic and aromatic. The three types of aliphatic hydrocarbons are alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes. Aromatic hydrocarbons include benzene. Overall, examples of hydrocarbons are methane, ethane, propane, and butane.
What are the different types of hydrocarbons?
Types of Hydrocarbons
- Saturated Hydrocarbons: In these compounds, carbon-carbon atoms and carbon-hydrogen atoms are held together by single bonds. ...
- Unsaturated Hydrocarbons: These compounds consist of a single, double or a triple bond between carbon-carbon atoms. ...
- Cycloalkanes: These hydrocarbons possess one or multiple carbon rings. ...

What is a hydrocarbon simple definition?
The term hydrocarbon refers to an organic chemical compound that is composed exclusively of hydrogen and carbon atoms. Hydrocarbons are naturally-occurring and form the basis of crude oil, natural gas, coal, and other important energy sources.
What are hydrocarbons Class 9 biology?
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that are entirely made up of only two kinds of atoms – carbon and hydrogen. Typically, hydrocarbons are colourless gases that have very weak odours.
What is a hydrocarbon and examples?
Compounds of carbon and hydrogen are called hydrocarbons. For example, methane, ethane, etc.
What does hydrocarbon mean in science terms?
(HY-droh-KAR-bun) A substance made of only hydrogen and carbon. Examples of hydrocarbons are coal, petroleum, natural gas and tar. They are used as energy sources.
What is the name of hydrocarbon?
Those containing triple bonds are called alkyne. Those with one triple bond have the formula CnH2n−2. Aromatic hydrocarbons, also known as arenes, are hydrocarbons that have at least one aromatic ring....Types.Number of carbon atoms1Alkane (single bond)MethaneAlkene (double bond)—Alkyne (triple bond)—Cycloalkane—11 more columns
What is hydrocarbon and its formula?
The general formula for saturated hydrocarbons is CnH2n+2 (assuming non-cyclic structures). Saturated hydrocarbons are the basis of petroleum fuels and are found as either linear or branched species.The simplest alkanes have their C atoms bonded in a straight chain; these are called normal alkanes.
What are the main hydrocarbons?
In general, the carbon atoms are surrounded by hydrogen atoms to create the molecule structure. There are four main different types of hydrocarbons, which are classified as alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and aromatic hydrocarbons.
Where are hydrocarbons found?
Some of the principal rock types responsible for sheltering hydrocarbons are limestone, sandstone and shale. Since these rock formations are generally found in large bodies of water, the biggest source of hydrocarbons is located at the bottom of our seas and oceans.
How do you identify a hydrocarbon?
Hydrocarbons are compounds that contain only carbon and hydrogen. Carbon atoms have four valence electrons, allowing them to bond in many different ways. A carbon atom can bond to two, three or four other atoms, which means that hydrocarbons can form a wide variety of structures.
Why is it called hydrocarbon?
The term hydrocarbon refers to the most basic type of organic molecules. As suggested by their name, they are comprised of only 2 elements: hydrogen and carbon. Hydrocarbon molecules have one or more central carbon atoms in a branched or chain-like structure, surrounded by hydrogen atoms.
What are 3 examples of hydrocarbons?
What are hydrocarbon gas liquids?Ethane—C2H6Propane—C3H8Butanes: normal butane and isobutane—C4H10Natural gasoline or pentanes plus—C5H12 and heavier.
What is hydrocarbon used for?
The most important use of hydrocarbons is for fuel. Gasoline, natural gas, fuel oil, diesel fuel, jet fuel, coal, kerosene, and propane are just some of the commonly used hydrocarbon fuels. Hydrocarbons are also used to make things, including plastics and synthetic fabrics such as polyester.
What are hydrocarbons Ncert?
The term 'hydrocarbon' is self-explanatory which means compounds of carbon and hydrogen only.
What are 3 examples of hydrocarbons?
What are hydrocarbon gas liquids?Ethane—C2H6Propane—C3H8Butanes: normal butane and isobutane—C4H10Natural gasoline or pentanes plus—C5H12 and heavier.
What are the 4 types of hydrocarbons?
There are four main categories of hydrocarbons: Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic hydrocarbons.
What are the 10 hydrocarbons?
Terms in this set (10)methane. CH₄ethane. C₂H₆propane. C₃H₈butane. C₄H₁₀pentane. C₅H₁₂hexane. C₆H₁₄heptane. C₇H₁₆octane. C₈H₁₈More items...
What is a hydrocarbon?
A hydrocarbon is any of a class of organic chemicals made up of only the elements carbon (C) and hydrogen (H). The carbon atoms join together to fo...
Which hydrocarbons are used most in modern life?
Hydrocarbons are the principal constituents of petroleum and natural gas. They serve as fuels and lubricants as well as raw materials for the produ...
Are there different types of hydrocarbons?
Nineteenth-century chemists classified hydrocarbons as either aliphatic or aromatic on the basis of their sources and properties. Aliphatic (from G...
How does the use of hydrocarbons affect global warming and climate change?
Hydrocarbons make up fossil fuels. One of the main by-products of fossil fuel combustion is carbon dioxide (CO2). The ever-increasing use of fossil...
What is a hydrocarbon?
Hydrocarbons: Definition. A hydrocarbon is an organic compound made of nothing more than carbons and hydrogens. It is possible for double or triple bonds to form between carbon atoms and even for structures, such as rings, to form. Saturated hydrocarbons have as many hydrogen atoms as possible attached to every carbon.
What is an aromatic hydrocarbon?
Aromatic hydrocarbons, or arenes, are those that have at least one benzene ring in them. A benzene ring is a ring of six carbon atoms with three double bonds. The formula for benzene, the simplest arene and base structure for all others, is C6H6. Any compound with a benzene ring is called an aromatic compound. There are many such compounds, which tend to be carcinogenic. They also tend to have a sweet smell to them, hence the label of 'aromatic.'
How many hydrogen atoms are in a hydrocarbon?
Saturated hydrocarbons have as many hydrogen atoms as possible attached to every carbon. For carbons on the end of a molecular chain, three can be attached. For carbons in the middle of a chain or a ring, two can be attached. For a carbon atom all by itself, four hydrogen atoms can be attached. Saturated hydrocarbons have only single bonds between adjacent carbon atoms.
What is the formula for alkanes?
The formula for an alkane is CnH (2n+2). This means that the number of hydrogen atoms equals twice the number of carbon atoms, plus two. Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon possible. It is released as a gas from decomposing bodies and from the intestinal tracts of many animals. Its formula is CH4.
How many double bonds does an alkene have?
Alkenes are like alkanes, but they have at least one double bond between carbon atoms. The formula for an alkene is a little trickier, since the number of double bonds may vary. An alkene with only one double bond has the formula CnH (2n). Each double bond means fewer hydrogens than a corresponding alkane.
What is a compound made of only carbon and hydrogen?
True to its name, a hydrocarbon is a compound made up of only carbon and hydrogen. This lesson reveals how hydrocarbons are made and discusses the different types of hydrocarbons, including aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Updated: 08/29/2021
What is the formula for naming an alkene?
For each additional double bond, subtract two more hydrogens. The simplest alkene is ethene, with a formula of C2H4. When naming an alkene, one has to take care to note which carbons have the double bonds.
What are Hydrocarbons?
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that are entirely made up of only two kinds of atoms – carbon and hydrogen. Typically, hydrocarbons are colourless gases that have very weak odours. Hydrocarbons can feature simple or relatively complex structures and can be generally classified into four subcategories, namely alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic hydrocarbons. The study of hydrocarbons can provide insight into the chemical properties of other functional groups and their preparation. Furthermore, hydrocarbons such as propane and butane are used for commercial fuel purposes in the form of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Benzene, one of the simplest aromatic hydrocarbons, serves as raw material for the synthesis of many synthetic drugs.
What is the molecular formula for hydrocarbons?
Properties. Preparation. Uses. The molecular formula for these compounds is CxHy. The existence of hydrocarbons is seen in plants and trees. For example, Carotenes is an organic pigment which is found in green leaves and carrots. These hydrocarbons make up to 98% of natural crude rubber. Further, they possess large internal energy which renders ...
What is the difference between aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons?
As such, it was found out that Aliphatic hydrocarbons were derived from chemical degradation of fats or oils whereas aromatic hydrocarbons contained substances that were a result of chemical degradation of certain plant extracts.
How are alkanes produced?
The alkanes can be produced from alkenes or alkynes through hydrogenation. H 2 gas is passed over a metal surface such as Ni, Pt along with the alkenes to produce alkane.
Why are hydrocarbons different from each other?
Due to their different molecular structures, the empirical formula of hydrocarbons is also different from each other. For instance, alkanes, alkynes or alkenes, the amount of bonded hydrogen decreases in alkenes and alkynes.
What type of bonds are in a saturated hydrocarbon?
Saturated Hydrocarbons: In these compounds, carbon-carbon atoms and carbon-hydrogen atoms are held together by single bonds. These single bonded compounds are the simplest hydrocarbons. These types of hydrocarbons don’t have double or triple bonds. In terms of hybridization, they have Sp 3 hybridised carbon atom with no Sp 2 or Sp hybridised Carbon ...
Why do alkanes have a different boiling point?
Alkanes having the same molecular mass but having a different number of branches, the one with less branching has more boiling point this is because of the Vanderwal’s force weak on as area increases.
What is a polymer hydrocarbon?
A hydrocarbon polymer or hydrocarbon chain is a chain-like molecule that consists of multiple units which are linked together and an example of it is such that over 98 percent of natural crude rubber. The chemistry and structure of individual hydrocarbons is dependent on the types of chemical bonds linking the atoms of their constituent molecules.
Where can we find hydrocarbons?
We can find hydrocarbons in nature and besides fossil fuels, these are present in trees and plants. For example, in carrots and green leaves, these are available in the form of carotenoids that are known as pigments.
How Reactive are Hydrocarbons?
Hydrocarbons are well known for inertness, especially the saturated members of hydrocarbons are inert. However, others will undergo three major types of reactions mentioned as follows:
Which type of hydrocarbon is more reactive?
Unsaturated hydrocarbons are more reactive because double and triple bonds can be broken easily and something can be added on it. Alkenes and alkynes are the two types of unsaturated hydrocarbons where alkenes contain atleast one double bond and alkynes contain atleast one triple bond. Alkenes.
What is the formula for alkenes?
When n=2, C₂H₄ (ethene) is formed, when n=3, C₃H₆ (propene) is formed. Therefore, the general formula for alkenes is CnH (2n).
What are the saturated hydrocarbons?
Alkanes are the saturated hydrocarbons. Alkanes. These have only single bonds, i.e. when n=1 (only one carbon atom), Methane, CH₄ is the example of an alkane. When n=2, 4 covalent bonds are formed for each carbon and C₂H₆ is formed. Similarly, C₃H₈ is formed; all of these (methane, ethane and propane respectively) are alkanes.
What energy is produced when hydrocarbons are combusted?
Combustion: When hydrocarbons are combusted, the energy produced are the heat sources and electrical energy. It can be used as home heaters that make use of petroleum or natural gas. In the presence of oxygen, hydrocarbons produce steam, carbon dioxide and heat during combustion.
What Is a Hydrocarbon?
A hydrocarbon is an organic chemical compound composed exclusively of hydrogen and carbon atoms. Hydrocarbons are naturally-occurring compounds and form the basis of crude oil, natural gas, coal, and other important energy sources.
Where do hydrocarbons come from?
Hydrocarbons occur naturally throughout the world, originating from plant and animal fossils that have been formed by the forces of temperature and weight over millennia. They are mostly found deep underground, in porous rock formations (such as sandstone, limestone, and shale).
Why are hydrocarbons used as fuel?
Hydrocarbons are highly combustible and produce carbon dioxide, water, and heat when they are burned. Therefore, hydrocarbons are highly effective as a source of fuel.
What is the main energy source of the world?
A hydrocarbon is an organic compound consisting of hydrogen and carbon found in crude oil, natural gas, and coal. Hydrocarbons are highly combustible and the main energy source of the world. Its uses consist of gasoline, jet fuel, propane, kerosene, and diesel, to name just a few.
What is the basis of energy production?
Hydrocarbons are chemical compounds that are utilized as the basis of the vast majority of global energy production. A variety of complex technologies and techniques have been developed for extracting hydrocarbons from deep within the earth. Some of the world's largest companies are hydrocarbon companies, primarily oil and gas companies.
Why are hydrocarbons important?
This figure may actually understate the role of hydrocarbons in the economy by a significant margin because they are used in a wide range of applications aside from their use as a source of energy. For example, refined petroleum has been used to produce myriad derivative materials that play critical roles in the global economy, such as plastics, solvents, and lubricants.
How has hydrocarbons impacted the world?
The use of hydrocarbons as an energy source has negatively impacted the world's climate in a significant way, resulting in climate change.
What is a hydrocarbon?
In organic chemistry, a hydrocarbon is an organic compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon. Hydrocarbons are examples of group 14 hydrides. Hydrocarbons are generally colourless and hydrophobic with only weak odours. Because of their diverse molecular structures, it is difficult to generalize further.
What are the hydrocarbons in nature?
The chemical hydrocarbon composition varies between age, sex, nest location, and hierarchal position.
Why are hydrocarbons used in heating?
Hydrocarbons are currently the main source of the world's electric energy and heat sources (such as home heating) because of the energy produced when they are combusted. Often this energy is used directly as heat such as in home heaters, which use either petroleum or natural gas. The hydrocarbon is burnt and the heat is used to heat water, which is then circulated. A similar principle is used to create electrical energy in power plants .
What are the different types of hydrocarbons?
As defined by IUPAC nomenclature of organic chemistry, the classifications for hydrocarbons are: 1 Saturated hydrocarbons are the simplest of the hydrocarbon species. They are composed entirely of single bonds and are saturated with hydrogen. The formula for acyclic saturated hydrocarbons (i.e., alkanes) is C n H 2n+2. The most general form of saturated hydrocarbons is C n H 2n+2 (1-r), where r is the number of rings. Those with exactly one ring are the cycloalkanes. Saturated hydrocarbons are the basis of petroleum fuels and are found as either linear or branched species. Substitution reaction is their characteristics property (like chlorination reaction to form chloroform ). Hydrocarbons with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae are called structural isomers. As given in the example of 3-methylhexane and its higher homologues, branched hydrocarbons can be chiral. Chiral saturated hydrocarbons constitute the side chains of biomolecules such as chlorophyll and tocopherol. 2 Unsaturated hydrocarbons have one or more double or triple bonds between carbon atoms. Those with double bond are called alkenes. Those with one double bond have the formula C n H 2n (assuming non-cyclic structures). Those containing triple bonds are called alkyne. Those with one triple bond have the formula C n H 2n−2. 3 Aromatic hydrocarbons, also known as arenes, are hydrocarbons that have at least one aromatic ring. 10% of total nonmethane organic carbon emission are aromatic hydrocarbons from the exhaust of gasoline-powered vehicles.
Why are hydrocarbons harmful to the environment?
Hydrocarbons are introduced into the environment through their extensive use as fuels and chemicals as well as through leaks or accidental spills during exploration, production, refining, or transport of fossil fuels. Anthropogenic hydrocarbon contamination of soil is a serious global issue due to contaminant persistence and the negative impact on human health.
Where are hydrocarbons found?
Some hydrocarbons also are widespread and abundant in the solar system. Lakes of liquid methane and ethane have been found on Titan, Saturn 's largest moon, confirmed by the Cassini-Huygens Mission. Hydrocarbons are also abundant in nebulae forming polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds.
What are hydrocarbons with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae called?
Hydrocarbons with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae are called structural isomers. As given in the example of 3-methylhexane and its higher homologues, branched hydrocarbons can be chiral. Chiral saturated hydrocarbons constitute the side chains of biomolecules such as chlorophyll and tocopherol.
What is the simplest hydrocarbon?
The carbon and the four hydrogen atoms form the vertices of a three-dimensional shape known as a tetrahedron, which has four triangular faces; because of this, methane is said to have a tetrahedral geometry. More generally, when a carbon atom is bonded to four other atoms, the molecule (or part of a molecule) will take on a tetrahedral shape similar to that of methane. This happens because the electron pairs that make up the bonds repel each other, and the shape that maximizes their distance from each other is a tetrahedron.
What are the two organic molecules that make up the hydrogen and carbon?
Hydrocarbons . Hydrocarbons are organic molecules consisting entirely of carbon and hydrogen. We often use hydrocarbons in our daily lives: for instance, the propane in a gas grill and the butane in a lighter are both hydrocarbons.
How many atoms does carbon have to fill its outer shell?
To achieve stability, carbon must find four more electrons to fill its outer shell, giving a total of eight and satisfying the octet rule. Carbon atoms may thus form bonds to as many as four other atoms. For example, in methane (CH ), carbon forms covalent bonds with four hydrogen atoms.
How many atoms can carbon bond with?
A carbon atom can bond with four other atoms and is like the four-hole wheel, while an oxygen atom, which can bond only to two, is like the two-hole wheel. Carbon’s ability to form bonds with four other atoms goes back to its number and configuration of electrons. Carbon has an atomic number of six (meaning six protons, ...
Why is carbon so popular for making molecular backbones?
Because a C atom can form covalent bonds to as many as four other atoms, it’s well suited to form the basic skeleton, or “backbone,” of a macromolecule.
Why are methanes good fuels?
They make good fuels because their covalent bonds store a large amount of energy, which is released when the molecules are burned (i.e., when they react with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water). Image of a methane molecule, showing its tetrahedral shape and the bond angle of 109.5 degrees for each H-C-H unit.
What is the shape of a carbon molecule?
More generally, when a carbon atom is bonded to four other atoms, the molecule (or part of a molecule) will take on a tetrahedral shape similar to that of methane. This happens because the electron pairs that make up the bonds repel each other, and the shape that maximizes their distance from each other is a tetrahedron.

What Are Hydrocarbons?
Classification and Types of Hydrocarbons
- Older chemists classified hydrocarbons as either aliphatic or aromatic. The classification was done based on their source and properties. As such, it was found that Aliphatic hydrocarbons were derived from the chemical degradation of fats or oils whereas aromatic hydrocarbons contained substances that were a result of the chemical degradation of certain plant extracts. H…
Properties of Hydrocarbons
- Due to their different molecular structures, the empirical formula of hydrocarbons is also different from each other. For instance, alkanes, alkynes or alkenes, the amount of bonded hydrogen decreases in alkenes and alkynes. This is mainly due to the “self-bonding” or catenation of carbon that prevents the complete saturation of the hydrocarbon by the formation of double or triple bo…
Preparation of Hydrocarbons – Alkynes
- Alkynes can be prepared from alkyl halides and alcohols. Addition reaction: All addition reactionsin alkenes are possible. Benzene – Preparation 1. From ethyne 2. From phenol 3. From aniline Chemical Properties: Benzene generally undergoes electrophilic substitution reactions. 1. Friedel Crafts alkylation, halogenation and acylation 2. Nitration
Uses of Hydrocarbons
- Hydrocarbons are widely used as fuels. For example LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), CNG (Liquefied natural gas).
- They are used in the manufacturing of polymers such as polyethene, polystyrene etc.
- These organic compounds find their application in the manufacturing of drugs and dyes as a starting material.
- Hydrocarbons are widely used as fuels. For example LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), CNG (Liquefied natural gas).
- They are used in the manufacturing of polymers such as polyethene, polystyrene etc.
- These organic compounds find their application in the manufacturing of drugs and dyes as a starting material.
- They serve as lubricating oil and grease.