A 3-dimensional rendered Ball-and-stick model of the methane molecule. Ball-and-stick models and Space-filling models (also known as Calotte models) are 3D or spatial Molecular models which serve to display the structure Methane is a Chemical compound with the molecular formula. It is the simplest Alkane, and the principal component of Natural gas. Methane is part of a homologous series known as alkanes, which are forms of hydrocarbons that comprise single bonds. In Chemistry, a homologous series is a series of Organic compounds with a similar General formula, possessing similar chemical properties due to the presence Alkanes, also known as Paraffins are Chemical compounds that consist only of the elements Carbon (C and Hydrogen (H (i A chemical bond is the physical process responsible for the attractive interactions between Atoms and Molecules and which confers stability to diatomic and polyatomic

In organic chemistry, a hydrocarbon is an organic compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon. Organic chemistry is a discipline within Chemistry which involves the scientific study of the structure properties composition reactions, and preparation An organic compound is any member of a large class of Chemical compounds whose Molecules contain Carbon. Hydrogen (ˈhaɪdrədʒən is the Chemical element with Atomic number 1 Carbon (kɑɹbən is a Chemical element with the symbol C and its Atomic number is 6 With relation to chemical terminology, aromatic hydrocarbons or arenes, alkanes, alkenes and alkyne-based compounds composed entirely of carbon or hydrogen are referred to as "pure" hydrocarbons, whereas other hydrocarbons with bonded compounds or impurities of sulphur or nitrogen, are referred to as "impure", and remain somewhat erroneously referred to as hydrocarbons. Alkanes, also known as Paraffins are Chemical compounds that consist only of the elements Carbon (C and Hydrogen (H (i In Organic chemistry, an alkene, olefin, or olefine is an unsaturated Chemical compound containing at least one Carbon Alkynes are Hydrocarbons that have at least one Triple bond between two Carbon atoms with the formula CnH2n-2.

Hydrocarbons are referred to as consisting of a "backbone" or "skeleton" composed entirely of carbon and hydrogen and other bonded compounds, and lack a functional group that generally facilitates combustion without adverse effects. Carbon (kɑɹbən is a Chemical element with the symbol C and its Atomic number is 6 Hydrogen (ˈhaɪdrədʒən is the Chemical element with Atomic number 1 In Organic chemistry, functional groups are specific groups of Atoms within Molecules that are responsible for the characteristic Chemical reactions Combustion or burning is a complex sequence of Exothermic chemical reactions between a Fuel and an Oxidant accompanied by the production of

The majority of hydrocarbons found naturally occur in crude oil, where decomposed organic matter provides an abundance of carbon and hydrogen which, when bonded, can catenate to form seemingly limitless chains. Catenation is the ability of a Chemical element usually found in carbon forming Covalent bonds with other Carbon atoms resulting in the formation of long ^[1][2]

Types of hydrocarbons

The classifications for hydrocarbons defined by IUPAC nomenclature of organic chemistry are as follows:

1. Saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) are the most simple of the hydrocarbon species and are composed entirely of single bonds and are saturated with hydrogen; they are the basis of petroleum fuels and are either found as linear or branched species of unlimited number. The IUPAC nomenclature of organic chemistry is a systematic method of naming organic chemical compounds as recommended by the International Union of Pure and Applied Alkanes, also known as Paraffins are Chemical compounds that consist only of the elements Carbon (C and Hydrogen (H (i The general formula for saturated hydrocarbons is C_nH_2n+2 (assuming non-cyclic structures).
2. Unsaturated hydrocarbons have one or more double or triple bonds between carbon atoms. Unsaturated hydrocarbon s are Hydrocarbons that have double or triple Covalent bonds between adjacent Carbon Atoms Those with at least one double Those with one double bond are called alkenes, with the formula C_nH_2n (assuming non-cyclic structures). In Organic chemistry, an alkene, olefin, or olefine is an unsaturated Chemical compound containing at least one Carbon Those containing triple bonds are called alkynes, with general formula C_nH_2n-2. Alkynes are Hydrocarbons that have at least one Triple bond between two Carbon atoms with the formula CnH2n-2.
3. Cycloalkanes are hydrocarbons containing one or more carbon rings to which hydrogen atoms are attached. Cycloalkanes (also called naphthenes, especially if from Petroleum sources are types of Alkanes which have one or more rings of Carbon Atoms The general formula for a saturated hydrocarbon containing one ring is C_nH_2n
4. Aromatic hydrocarbons, also known as arenes, are hydrocarbons that have at least one aromatic ring.

Hydrocarbons can be gases (e. This page is about the physical properties of gas as a state of matter g. methane and propane), liquids (e. Methane is a Chemical compound with the molecular formula. It is the simplest Alkane, and the principal component of Natural gas. Propane is a three- Carbon Alkane, normally a gas but compressible to a liquid that is transportable Liquid is one of the principal States of matter. A liquid is a Fluid that has the particles loose and can freely form a distinct surface at the boundaries of g. hexane and benzene), waxes or low melting solids (e. Hexane is an Alkane Hydrocarbon with the Chemical formula CH3(CH24CH3 or C6H14 Benzene, or benzol, is an organic Chemical compound and a known Carcinogen with the molecular formula C 6 H 6 A solid' object is in the States of matter characterized by resistance to Deformation and changes of Volume. g. paraffin wax and naphthalene) or polymers (e. In chemistry paraffin is the common name for the Alkane Hydrocarbons with the general formula C n H2 n +2 Naphthalene, also known as naphthalin, naphthaline, tar camphor, white tar, albocarbon, or antimite and not to be A polymer is a large Molecule ( Macromolecule) composed of repeating Structural units typically connected by Covalent Chemical bonds g. polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene). Polyethylene or polythene ( IUPAC name poly(ethene) is a Thermoplastic commodity heavily used in consumer products (notably the Polypropylene or polypropene ( PP) is a Thermoplastic Polymer, made by the Chemical industry and used in a wide variety of applications Polystyrene ˌpɒliˈstaɪriːn ( IUPAC Polyphenylethene is an aromatic Polymer made from the aromatic Monomer Styrene

General properties

Because of differences in molecular structure, the empirical formula remains different between hydrocarbons; in linear, or "straight-run" alkanes, alkenes and alkynes, the amount of bonded hydrogen lessens in alkenes and alkynes due to the "self-bonding" or catenation of carbon preventing entire saturation of the hydrocarbon by the formation of double or triple bonds.

This inherent ability of hydrocarbons to bond to themselves is referred to as catenation, and allows hydrocarbon to form more complex molecules, such as cyclohexane, and in rarer cases, arenes such as benzene. Catenation is the ability of a Chemical element usually found in carbon forming Covalent bonds with other Carbon atoms resulting in the formation of long Cyclohexane is a Cycloalkane with the Molecular formula C 6 H 12 Benzene, or benzol, is an organic Chemical compound and a known Carcinogen with the molecular formula C 6 H 6 This ability comes from the fact that bond character between carbon atoms is entirely non-polar, in that the distribution of electrons between the two elements is somewhat even due to the same electronegativity values of the elements (~0. 30), and does not result in the formation of an electrophile.

Generally, with catenation comes the loss of the total amount of bonded hydrocarbons and an increase in the amount of energy required for bond cleavage due to strain exerted upon the molecule; in molecules such as cyclohexane, this is referred to as ring strain, and occurs due to the "destabilized" spatial electron configuration of the atom. Ring strain is an Organic chemistry term that describes the destabilization of a cyclic Molecule —such as a Cycloalkane —due to the non-favorable high

In simple chemistry, as per valence bond theory, the carbon atom must follow the "4-hydrogen rule", which states that the maximum number of atoms available to bond with carbon is equal to the number of electrons that are attracted into the outer shell of carbon. In Chemistry, valence bond theory explains the nature of a Chemical bond in a Molecule in terms of atomic valencies. In terms of shells, carbon consists of an incomplete outer shell, which comprises 4 electrons, and thus has 4 electrons available for covalent or dative bonding.

According thermodynamics studies hydrocarbons are stable in great depths within the earth. Hydrocarbons also have great abundance in the universe. In Titan (a Saturn moon) there are lakes and seas of liquid methane and ethane confirmed by Cassini-Huygens Mission.

Simple hydrocarbons and their variations

Usage

Hydrocarbons are one of the Earth's most important energy resources. Alkanes, also known as Paraffins are Chemical compounds that consist only of the elements Carbon (C and Hydrogen (H (i In Organic chemistry, an alkene, olefin, or olefine is an unsaturated Chemical compound containing at least one Carbon Alkynes are Hydrocarbons that have at least one Triple bond between two Carbon atoms with the formula CnH2n-2. Cycloalkanes (also called naphthenes, especially if from Petroleum sources are types of Alkanes which have one or more rings of Carbon Atoms Dienes or diolefins are Hydrocarbons which contain two double bonds. Methane is a Chemical compound with the molecular formula. It is the simplest Alkane, and the principal component of Natural gas. ETHANE is a mnemonic indicating a protocol used by Emergency services to report situations which they may be faced with especially as it relates to major incidents where Structure This Hydrocarbon has four Hydrogen Atoms bound to a pair of Carbon atoms that are connected by a Double bond. Acetylene ( IUPAC name ethyne), C2H2 is a Hydrocarbon belonging to the group of Alkynes It is the simplest of all alkynes Propane is a three- Carbon Alkane, normally a gas but compressible to a liquid that is transportable Propene, also known as propylene, is an unsaturated organic compound having the Chemical formula C 3 H 6 Methylacetylene ( propyne) is an Alkyne with the Chemical formula H 3C≡CH Cyclopropane is a Cycloalkane Molecule with the molecular formula C3H6 consisting of three Carbon Atoms linked to An allene is a Hydrocarbon in which one atom of Carbon is connected by double bonds with two other atoms of carbon Butane, also called n -butane, is the unbranched Alkane with four Carbon Atoms CH3CH2CH2CH3 Isobutane, also known as methylpropane or 2-methylpropane, is an Alkane, Isomeric with Butane. Isomers Among the molecules which have the Chemical formula 48 four Isomers are Alkenes. Cyclobutane, C4H8 with a molecular mass of 56107g/mol is a four Carbon Alkane in which all the Carbon Atoms are arranged Methylcyclopropane ( C 4 H 8) is the Alkyl cycloalkane compound of Methane and Cyclopropane. Pentane is any or one of the Organic compounds with the formula C5H12 Isopentane, C5[[hydrogen H12]] also called methylbutane or 2-methylbutane, is a branched-chain Alkane with five Neopentane, also called dimethylpropane or 22-dimethylpropane, is a double-branched-chain Alkane with five Carbon atoms Cis-2-pentenesvg|thumb|Cis-2-pentene]] Pentene refers to all the Alkenes with Chemical formula 510 containing a single Double bond Cyclopentane is a highly Flammable alicyclic Hydrocarbon with Chemical formula 510 and CAS number 287-92-3 Piperylene is a volatile flammable Hydrocarbon consisting of a five carbon chain with two Double bonds It is obtained as a byproduct of Ethylene Isoprene is a common synonym for the chemical compound 2-methylbuta-13-diene Hexane is an Alkane Hydrocarbon with the Chemical formula CH3(CH24CH3 or C6H14 Hexene is a higher Olefin, or Alkene with a formula C 6 H 12 The "Hex" is derived from the fact that there are Cyclohexane is a Cycloalkane with the Molecular formula C 6 H 12 n -Heptane is the straight-chain Alkane with the Chemical formula H3C(CH25CH3 or C7H16 Heptene is a higher Olefin, or Alkene with the formula C7H14The commercial product is a liquid that is a mixture of isomers with a boiling point Cycloheptane is a Cycloalkane with the Molecular formula C 7 H 14 Methylcyclohexane is a colourless Liquid with a faint Benzene -like odour Octane is a straight-chain Alkane with the Chemical formula CH3(CH26CH3 Octene is an Alkene, or higher Olefin, with the formula C 8 H 16 Cyclooctane is a Cycloalkane with the Molecular formula C 8 H 16 Nonane is an Alkane Hydrocarbon with the Chemical formula CH3(CH27CH3 Nonene is an Alkene with the molecular formula C9H18 It is an intermediate in production of Nonylphenol. Decane is an Alkane Hydrocarbon with the Chemical formula CH3(CH28CH3 Decene is an Alkene with the formula C10H20 Decene has ten carbon atoms in its parent chain and contains a double bond The use of energy has been a key in the development of the human society by helping it to control and adapt to the environment. The predominant use of hydrocarbons is as a combustible fuel source. Fuel is any material that is burned or altered in order to obtain energy

Mixtures of volatile hydrocarbons are now used in preference to the chlorofluorocarbons as a propellant for aerosol sprays, due to chlorofluorocarbons impact on the ozone layer. The haloalkanes (also known as halogenoalkanes or alkyl halides) are a group of Chemical compounds consisting of Alkanes such as Methane A propellant is a material that is used to move ("propel" an object Aerosol spray is a type of dispensing system which creates an aerosol mist of liquid particles The photochemical mechanisms that give rise to the ozone layer were worked out by the British physicist Sidney Chapman in 1930

Methane [1C] and ethane [2C] are gaseous at ambient temperatures and cannot be readily liquified by pressure alone. Methane is a Chemical compound with the molecular formula. It is the simplest Alkane, and the principal component of Natural gas. ETHANE is a mnemonic indicating a protocol used by Emergency services to report situations which they may be faced with especially as it relates to major incidents where Propane [3C] is however easily liquified, and exists in 'propane bottles' mostly as a liquid. Propane is a three- Carbon Alkane, normally a gas but compressible to a liquid that is transportable Butane [4C] is so easily liquified that it safely provides a safe, volatile fuel for small pocket lighters. Butane, also called n -butane, is the unbranched Alkane with four Carbon Atoms CH3CH2CH2CH3 Pentane [5C] is a clear liquid at room temperature, commonly used in chemistry and industry as a powerful nearly odorless solvent of waxes and high molecular weight organic compounds, including greases. Pentane is any or one of the Organic compounds with the formula C5H12 A solvent is a liquid or gas that dissolves a solid liquid or gaseous Solute, resulting in a Solution. Hexane [6C] is also a widely used non-polar, non-aromatic solvent, as well as a significant fraction of common gasoline. Hexane is an Alkane Hydrocarbon with the Chemical formula CH3(CH24CH3 or C6H14

The [6C] through [10C] alkanes, alkenes and isomeric cycloalkanes are the top components of gasoline, naptha, jet fuel and specialized industrial solvent mixtures. Naphtha normally refers to a number of different flammable liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons i Jet fuel is a type of Aviation fuel designed for use in Aircraft powered by gas-turbine engines. With the progressive addition of carbon units, the simple non-ring structured hydrocarbons have higher viscosities, lubricating indices, boiling points, solidification temperatures, and deeper color. At the opposite extreme from [1C] methane lie the heavy tars that remain as the lowest fraction in a crude oil refining retort. They are collected and widely utilized as roofing compounds, pavement composition, wood preservatives (the creosote series) and as extremely high viscosity sheer-resisting liquids. Creosote is the name used for a variety of products including wood creosote and coal tar creosote.

Burning hydrocarbons

Main article: Combustion

Hydrocarbons are currently the main source of the world’s electric energy and heat sources (such as home heating) because of the energy produced when burnt. Combustion or burning is a complex sequence of Exothermic chemical reactions between a Fuel and an Oxidant accompanied by the production of Electric power is defined as the rate at which Electrical energy is transferred by an Electric circuit. Often this energy is used directly as heat such as in home heaters, which use either oil or natural gas. An oil is a substance that is in a viscous Liquid state ( "oily") at ambient temperatures or slightly warmer and is Natural gas is a Gaseous Fossil fuel consisting primarily of Methane but including significant quantities of Ethane, Propane, The hydrocarbon is burnt and the heat is used to heat water, which is then circulated. A similar principle is used to create electric energy in power plants.

As methane only releases one carbon dioxide for two water molecules, it is considered the cleanest fuel.

Petroleum

Main article: Petroleum

Oil refineries are key to obtaining hydrocarbons; crude oil is processed through several stages to form desirable hydrocarbons, used in fuel and other commercial products. Petroleum ( L petroleum, from Greek πετρέλαιον, lit An oil refinery is an industrial Process plant where Crude oil is processed and refined into more useful Petroleum products, such as Gasoline Petroleum ( L petroleum, from Greek πετρέλαιον, lit

Liquid geologically-extracted hydrocarbons are referred to as petroleum (literally "rock oil") or mineral oil, while gaseous geologic hydrocarbons are referred to as natural gas. Petroleum ( L petroleum, from Greek πετρέλαιον, lit Mineral oil or liquid Petroleum is a By-product in the Distillation of Petroleum to produce Gasoline and other petroleum Natural gas is a Gaseous Fossil fuel consisting primarily of Methane but including significant quantities of Ethane, Propane, All are significant sources of fuel and raw materials as a feedstock for the production of organic chemicals and are commonly found in the Earth's subsurface using the tools of petroleum geology. Organic chemistry is a discipline within Chemistry which involves the scientific study of the structure properties composition reactions, and preparation Petroleum geology refers to the specific set of geological disciplines that are applied to the search for Hydrocarbons ( Oil exploration)

The extraction of liquid hydrocarbon fuel from a number of sedimentary basins has been integral to modern energy development. The term sedimentary basin is used to refer to any geographical feature exhibiting Subsidence and consequent infilling by sedimentation Energy development is the ongoing effort to provide sufficient Primary energy sources and secondary Energy forms to meet civilization's needs Hydrocarbons are mined from tar sands, oil shale and potentially extracted from sedimentary methane hydrates. Mining is the extraction of valuable Minerals or other geological materials from the earth usually (but not always from an Ore body Methane clathrate, also called methane hydrate or methane ice, is a solid form of water that contains a large amount of Methane within its Crystal These reserves require distillation and upgrading to produce synthetic crude and petroleum. Synthetic crude is the output from a bitumen/extra heavy oil Upgrader facility used in connection with Oil sand production

Oil reserves in sedimentary rocks are the principal source of hydrocarbons for the energy, transport and petrochemical industries. Oil reserves are the estimated quantities of Crude oil that are claimed to be recoverable under existing Economic and operating conditions Transport or transportation is the movement of people and goods from one place to another Petrochemicals are chemical products made from raw materials of Petroleum or other Hydrocarbon origin Hydrocarbons are of prime economic importance because they encompass the constituents of the major fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas, etc. Fossil fuels or mineral fuels are fossil source Fuels that is Hydrocarbons found within the top layer of the Earth’s crust. Natural gas is a Gaseous Fossil fuel consisting primarily of Methane but including significant quantities of Ethane, Propane, ) and plastics, paraffin, waxes, solvents and oils. Plastic is the general common term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic organic solid materials suitable for the manufacture of industrial products In chemistry paraffin is the common name for the Alkane Hydrocarbons with the general formula C n H2 n +2 Wax has traditionally referred to a substance that is secreted by Bees ( Beeswax) and used by them in constructing their A solvent is a liquid or gas that dissolves a solid liquid or gaseous Solute, resulting in a Solution. In urban pollution, these components--along with NOx and sunlight--all contribute to the formation of tropospheric ozone. Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into an environment that causes instability disorder harm or discomfort to the physical systems or living organisms they are in Sunlight, in the broad sense is the total spectrum of the Electromagnetic radiation given off by the Sun. Ozone (O3 is a key constituent of the Troposphere (it is also an important constituent of certain regions of the Stratosphere

See also

• Abiogenic petroleum origin hypothesis
• Biohydrocarbon
• Energy storage
• Fractional distillation
• Functional group
• Hydrocarbon mixtures

Notes

1. ^ Clayden, J. The hypothesis of abiogenic petroleum origin is an alternative hypothesis to the biological origin theory which was popular in Russia and Ukraine between See also Algology Algae fuel, also called algal fuel, oilgae, algaeoleum or third generation biofuel, is a Biofuel Energy storage is the storing of some form of Energy that can be drawn upon at a later time to perform some useful operation Fractional distillation is the separation of a mixture into its component parts or fractions such as in separating Chemical compounds by their Boiling point by heating In Organic chemistry, functional groups are specific groups of Atoms within Molecules that are responsible for the characteristic Chemical reactions Hydrocarbon mixtures are a group of various volatile, highly Flammable, mixtures used chiefly as Nonpolar Solvents. , Greeves, N. , et al. (2000), p21
2. ^ McMurry, J. (2000), p75-81

References

1. McMurry, J. (2000). Organic Chemistry 5^th ed. Brooks/Cole: Thomson Learning.
2. Clayden, J. , Greeves, N. , et al. (2000) Organic Chemistry Oxford.

External links

• The Methane Molecule
• Poten & Partners: Glossary of Hydrocarbon Terms