What are hydrocarbons?

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

They form the basic framework of organic chemistry and are classified into different types based on the kinds of bonds between carbon atoms:

1. Alkanes (saturated hydrocarbons) – Contain only single C–C bonds.
   • General formula: CₙH₂ₙ₊₂
   • Example: Methane (CH₄), Ethane (C₂H₆)
2. Alkenes (unsaturated hydrocarbons) – Contain at least one C=C double bond.
   • General formula: CₙH₂ₙ
   • Example: Ethene (C₂H₄), Propene (C₃H₆)
3. Alkynes (unsaturated hydrocarbons) – Contain at least one C≡C triple bond.
   • General formula: CₙH₂ₙ₋₂
   • Example: Ethyne (C₂H₂), Propyne (C₃H₄)
4. Aromatic hydrocarbons – Contain benzene rings or similar cyclic structures with delocalized electrons.
   • Example: Benzene (C₆H₆), Toluene (C₆H₅CH₃)

Hydrocarbons are the main constituents of fuels (like petrol, diesel, and natural gas) and many industrial raw materials.