Hydrocarbon

A hydrocarbon is an organic compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They serve as the fundamental building blocks for a vast array of organic molecules, including fuels, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. Hydrocarbons are generally nonpolar due to the similar electronegativity of carbon and hydrogen, making them insoluble in water but soluble in other nonpolar solvents. They are categorized by their structure into aliphatic (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes) and aromatic hydrocarbons. Their abundance in fossil fuels makes them crucial energy sources, but their combustion also contributes to environmental concerns like greenhouse gas emissions.

Hydrocarbon meaning with examples

• Natural gas is predominantly composed of methane, a simple hydrocarbon used for heating and cooking.
• Gasoline, a complex mixture of various hydrocarbons, fuels automobiles and other internal combustion engines.
• Polyethylene, a common plastic, is a polymer derived from the hydrocarbon ethylene.
• Crude oil, a major source of hydrocarbons, is refined to produce gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum products.
• The incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons, such as in wood fires, can produce harmful pollutants like soot.