Hydrocarbon and its compounds

1. Introduction to Hydrocarbons with Examples

What are Hydrocarbons?

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds made up of only carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms.

They are the simplest and most fundamental organic compounds, and serve as the basis for all other organic substances.

Examples of Hydrocarbons

Methane (CH₄)
Ethane (C₂H₆)
Ethene (C₂H₄)
Ethyne (C₂H₂)
Propane (C₃H₈)

Hydrocarbons may be saturated (single bonds only) or unsaturated (double or triple bonds).

2. IUPAC Names, Molecular Structures & Uses of Hydrocarbons (C1 to C4)

2.1 Table: IUPAC Names and Structures

No. of Carbon Atoms	Hydrocarbon Type	Molecular Formula	IUPAC Name	Structural Formula	Uses
1	Alkane	CH₄	Methane	H–C–H (4 H around C)	Fuel gas, biogas
2	Alkane	C₂H₆	Ethane	H₃C–CH₃	LPG mixture, petrochemical industry
2	Alkene	C₂H₄	Ethene	H₂C=CH₂	Ripening of fruits, making plastics (polythene)
2	Alkyne	C₂H₂	Ethyne	HC≡CH	Used in welding (oxy-acetylene flame)
3	Alkane	C₃H₈	Propane	H₃C–CH₂–CH₃	LPG fuel
4	Alkane	C₄H₁₀	Butane	H₃C–CH₂–CH₂–CH₃	LPG, cigarette lighters

Summary of Uses

Methane: Domestic fuel, biogas, industrial fuel
Ethane: Used in the petrochemical industry
Ethene: Fruit ripening, plastic manufacture
Ethyne (Acetylene): Welding, cutting metals
Propane & Butane: LPG, heating, cooking

3. Difference Between Saturated and Unsaturated Hydrocarbons

Saturated Hydrocarbons

Contain only single C–C bonds
Known as alkanes
General formula: CₙH₂ₙ₊₂
Less reactive
Examples: Methane (CH₄), Ethane (C₂H₆)

Unsaturated Hydrocarbons

Contain double (C=C) or triple (C≡C) bonds
Two types: Alkenes (double) and Alkynes (triple)
More reactive than saturated hydrocarbons
Examples:
- Ethene (C₂H₄ → alkene)
- Ethyne (C₂H₂ → alkyne)

Comparison Table

Feature	Saturated Hydrocarbons	Unsaturated Hydrocarbons
Bonds	Single bonds only	At least one double or triple bond
Types	Alkanes	Alkenes & Alkynes
Reactivity	Low	High
General Formula	CₙH₂ₙ₊₂	Alkenes: CₙH₂ₙ Alkynes: CₙH₂ₙ₋₂

4. Types and Molecular Formulae of Alcohols Based on Number of Hydroxyl Groups (-OH)

Alcohols are organic compounds containing one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to carbon atoms.

4.1 Types of Alcohols

Type of Alcohol	Description	General Formula	Example
Monohydric Alcohol	Contains 1 hydroxyl group (-OH)	CₙH₂ₙ₊₁OH	Methanol (CH₃OH), Ethanol (C₂H₅OH)
Dihydric Alcohol	Contains 2 hydroxyl groups (-OH)	CₙH₂ₙ(OH)₂	Ethylene glycol (C₂H₄(OH)₂)
Trihydric Alcohol	Contains 3 hydroxyl groups (-OH)	CₙH₂ₙ₋₁(OH)₃	Glycerol / Glycerin (C₃H₅(OH)₃)

5. Uses of Alcohols: Methanol, Ethanol, and Glycerol

5.1 Methanol (CH₃OH) – Uses

Used as an industrial solvent
Used to make dyes, medicines, and resins
Used as antifreeze in vehicles
Used in biodiesel production
Toxic—cannot be consumed

5.2 Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) – Uses

Used in alcoholic beverages (in regulated quantities)
Used as a solvent in perfumes, paints, and medicines
Used as a fuel (ethanol-blended petrol)
Used in hand sanitisers (70% ethanol)
Used in thermometers

5.3 Glycerol / Glycerin (C₃H₅(OH)₃) – Uses

Used in soaps and shampoos
Used in cosmetics and moisturisers
Used as a sweetening agent in the food industry
Used in pharmaceutical syrups
Used to make explosives (nitroglycerin)

Conclusion (SEO-Friendly)

Hydrocarbons and their derivatives form the foundation of organic chemistry. Understanding their classification, IUPAC naming (C1–C4), and differences between saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons builds strong conceptual clarity for SEE/NEB students. The study of alcohols, their types, and their applications helps learners relate chemistry to real-life uses in medicines, fuels, cosmetics, and industries.

Practice : SEE MCQ: Hydrocarbon and Its Compound

Class - 10 (Science and Technology) Hydrocarbon and its compounds

Class - 10 (Science and Technology)