a molecule that contains only carbon and hydrogen atoms
A molecule that contains only carbon and hydrogen atoms is known as a hydrocarbon
A molecule that contains only carbon and hydrogen atoms is known as a hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that exist abundantly in nature and play essential roles in many aspects of our lives. They are composed solely of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms, with various arrangements and bonding types.
Hydrocarbons can be classified into two general categories: aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons.
1. Aliphatic hydrocarbons: These hydrocarbons have their carbon atoms arranged in an open chain or branched structure. They include three subcategories:
a. Alkanes: Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons consisting of single bonds between carbon atoms. They have a general formula of CₙH₂ₙ₊₂, where “n” represents the number of carbon atoms. For example, methane (CH₄), ethane (C₂H₆), and propane (C₃H₈) are alkanes with one, two, and three carbon atoms respectively.
b. Alkenes: Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond. They have a general formula of CₙH₂ₙ, where “n” represents the number of carbon atoms. For example, ethene (C₂H₄) and propene (C₃H₆) are alkenes.
c. Alkynes: Alkynes are unsaturated hydrocarbons containing at least one carbon-carbon triple bond. They have a general formula of CₙH₂ₙ₋₂, where “n” represents the number of carbon atoms. For example, ethyne (C₂H₂) and propyne (C₃H₄) are alkynes.
2. Aromatic hydrocarbons: Aromatic hydrocarbons, also known as arenes, have a distinct ring structure called a benzene ring. They exhibit unique chemical properties due to the presence of resonance within the ring structure. The most common aromatic hydrocarbon is benzene (C₆H₆), but other examples include toluene (C₇H₈) and naphthalene (C₁₀H₈).
Hydrocarbons serve as the building blocks for many important compounds, including fuels like gasoline, diesel, and natural gas. They also form the basis for many organic chemicals used in various industries such as plastics, pharmaceuticals, polymers, and solvents.
Understanding hydrocarbons and their properties is crucial in fields like organic chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, and energy research.
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