hiilivetykaasut

Hiilivetykaasut, also known as hydrocarbon gases, are organic compounds consisting solely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They are a primary component of natural gas and petroleum. The simplest hydrocarbon gas is methane (CH4), which is the main constituent of natural gas. Other common hydrocarbon gases include ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), and butane (C4H10). These gases are typically colorless and odorless in their pure form, though they are often odorized with mercaptans for safety purposes in domestic and industrial applications.

Hydrocarbon gases are extensively used as fuels for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. They are also vital raw materials in the petrochemical industry, serving as building blocks for plastics, solvents, and various other chemical products. Their flammability necessitates careful handling and storage to prevent accidents. Environmental concerns associated with hydrocarbon gases include their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas. Efforts are underway to reduce emissions and explore cleaner alternatives.