Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons (pronunciation: /ˌhaɪdrəʊˈkɑːrbənz/) are a class of organic compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon.
Etymology
The term "hydrocarbon" is derived from the Greek words "hydro" meaning water and "carbon" meaning charcoal. It was first used in the 19th century to describe compounds made up of these two elements.
Types of Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons are primarily classified into two types: Aliphatic Hydrocarbons and Aromatic Hydrocarbons.
- Aliphatic Hydrocarbons are further divided into three types: Alkanes, Alkenes, and Alkynes.
- Aromatic Hydrocarbons are compounds that contain a ring of atoms usually made of carbon atoms. The most common example of an aromatic hydrocarbon is Benzene.
Properties of Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons are generally nonpolar and have little to no solubility in water. They are less dense than water and, as such, will float on the surface of water. Hydrocarbons are also highly combustible, making them valuable as fuels.
Uses of Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons are widely used in various industries. They are primarily used as fuels, such as natural gas, petroleum, and coal. They are also used in the production of plastics, solvents, and even some types of medicines.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hydrocarbons
- Wikipedia's article - Hydrocarbons
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