Substituted Hydrocarbons: Properties and Examples

Substituted Hydrocarbon

One or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by another atom or group of atoms called a Functional Group.

A substituted hydrocarbon is a type of organic molecule in which one or more hydrogen atoms in a hydrocarbon molecule have been replaced by one or more other atoms or functional groups. The most common functional groups that can substitute hydrogen in a hydrocarbon molecule include halogens (e.g. chlorine, bromine, iodine), hydroxy (-OH), carboxylic acid (-COOH), amino (-NH2), and nitro (-NO2) groups.

The purpose of substituting a hydrogen atom in a hydrocarbon molecule is to alter its properties such as its solubility, reactivity, and physical state. For instance, the addition of a halogen to a hydrocarbon can increase its reactivity, making it more suitable for chemical reactions. On the other hand, the addition of a hydroxy group can make the hydrocarbon molecule more polar and increase its solubility in water.

Examples of substituted hydrocarbons include:

1. Chloromethane (CH3Cl): In this compound, one of the hydrogen atoms in a methane molecule has been replaced by a chlorine atom. Chloromethane is commonly used as a solvent.

2. Ethanol (C2H5OH): Ethanol is a type of alcohol in which one of the hydrogen atoms in ethane (C2H6) has been replaced by a hydroxy (-OH) group. Ethanol is commonly used as a fuel, solvent, and in the production of alcoholic beverages.

3. Acetic acid (CH3COOH): In acetic acid, one of the hydrogen atoms in a methane molecule has been replaced by a carboxylic acid (-COOH) group. Acetic acid is commonly used as a solvent and in the production of vinegar.

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