Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are a class of molecules comprised of carbon and hydrogen. They can range in size from one carbon atom with four hydrogen atoms (methane) to long chains and rings.

Hydrocarbon Molecules

Alkanes

Alkanes are non-cyclical hydrocarbons containing only single bonds between carbon and hydrogen atoms.

• Methane CH₄
• Ethane C₂H₆
• Propane C₃H₈
• Butane & Isobutane C₄H₁₀
• Pentane, Isopentane, & Neopentane C₅H₁₂

Cycloalkanes

Cycloalkanes are cyclical hydrocarbons containing only single bonds between carbon and hydrogen atoms.

• Cyclopropane C₃H₈

Alkenes

Alkenes are hydrocarbons containing at least one double carbon bond.

• Ethylene C₂H₄

Synthesis

Hydrocarbons are common in organic chemistry. They can also be produced artificially through chemical reactions.

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