Hydrocarbon

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The term hydrocarbon refers to the most basic type of organic molecules. They are comprised of only 2 elements: hydrogen and carbon, hence the name hydrocarbons.[1] In general, hydrocarbon molecules are structured with one or more carbon atoms forming a central structure that is surrounded by hydrogen atoms. There are four main types of hydrocarbons: Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic hydrocarbons.[2]

The simplest hydrocarbons are called alkanes. Alkanes are characterized by a simple carbon chain where every carbon atom is bonded to 2 hydrogen atoms and 2 carbon atoms, except the carbons at the end of the chain which as bonded to a third hydrogen, instead of a second carbon. A visual depiction of how alkanes are structured can be seen in figure 1. Hydrocarbon geometry can become very complex as molecules get larger and potentially contain branches and cyclic “loops” of carbon atoms.

Figure 1 The smallest hydrocarbons.[3]

Sometimes, elements other than hydrogen and carbon can replace a hydrogen or carbon in a hydrocarbon molecule. For example, a hydrogen may be replaced with a bromine or hydroxide ion. There are vast numbers of possible impure hydrocarbons that contain one or more different elements. In general, a hydrocarbon that contains elements other than hydrogen and carbon is not a true hydrocarbon and is called a hydrocarbon derivative.[1]

Hydrocarbons and their derivatives are the main constituents of fossil fuels and release energy when burning with oxygen. For a more complete description of this process, see the Hydrocarbon combustion page.

In addition to fuels, hydrocarbons are used in many other applications. Certain hydrocarbons can be found in lubricating oils, greases, solvents, fuels, wax, asphalts, cosmetics, and plastics.[4] These hydrocarbons are also products of fractional distillation. Although hydrocarbons are primarily consumed in fuels, non-fuel applications of hydrocarbons are of great importance to society and the economy.

To learn more about specific types of hydrocarbons, type them into the search bar, or click on the following links: Methane, Ethane, Propane, Butane, Octane, Decane.

To learn more about Hydrocarbons, check out the UC Davis Chem Wiki.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 C. Nave. "Hydrocarbons." Internet: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/organic/hydrocarbon.html, [October 25, 2013].
  2. http://chemwiki.ucdavis.edu/Organic_Chemistry/Hydrocarbons
  3. D. Darling. "Alkanes." Internet: http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/A/alkane.html, [October 26, 2013]
  4. R.D. Botts, D.M. Carson, and D.Coglon. "Petroleum in our live" in Our petroleum challenge, 8th ed. Calgary:Canadian Center for Energy Development, 2013, pp. 7-15.