wglowodory

Wglowodory, often written as węglowodory in Polish and known in English as hydrocarbons, are organic compounds composed exclusively of hydrogen and carbon. They range from the smallest molecules such as methane to complex, heavy molecules found in crude oil and natural gas. Hydrocarbons are the principal constituents of fossil fuels and serve as major feedstocks in the chemical industry.

Classification: By bonding, hydrocarbons are divided into saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) with only single bonds, and unsaturated hydrocarbons, which include alkenes (double bonds) and alkynes (triple bonds). Aromatic hydrocarbons feature ring structures with delocalized electrons, such as benzene.

Formulas: Alkanes have the general formula CnH2n+2; alkenes CnH2n; alkynes CnH2n-2. Aromatics vary but many share the benzene ring C6H6 as a core unit. Notable examples include methane, ethane, propane, butane, benzene, toluene, and xylene.

Occurrence and applications: Hydrocarbons occur naturally in petroleum and natural gas and are produced by refining and processing processes. They are used as fuels for heating, electricity, and transportation, and as raw materials for plastics, solvents, lubricants, and synthetic chemicals.

Properties and safety: Hydrocarbons are mostly nonpolar, with low water solubility and a tendency to vaporize. They are typically flammable and may release pollutants during combustion. Environmental concerns focus on greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and the health risks associated with certain aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene.