hidrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They are the building blocks of many materials we use every day, from plastics to fuels. The arrangement of these carbon and hydrogen atoms determines the specific properties of each hydrocarbon.

There are two main categories of hydrocarbons: aliphatic and aromatic. Aliphatic hydrocarbons include alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes, which are characterized by chains or rings of carbon atoms. Alkanes, like methane and propane, contain only single bonds between carbon atoms. Alkenes, such as ethene, have at least one double bond, while alkynes, like ethyne (acetylene), feature at least one triple bond. Aromatic hydrocarbons, like benzene, are distinguished by a ring structure with delocalized electrons, giving them unique stability and reactivity.

Hydrocarbons are primarily derived from fossil fuels such as petroleum and natural gas, formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient organisms. They are extracted and refined through processes like fractional distillation, separating them into useful fractions based on their boiling points. These fractions serve as raw materials for a vast array of industries, including petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Their widespread use highlights their importance in modern society, though their combustion is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, driving research into cleaner alternatives.