Hydrocarbons — Definition, Formula, Properties & Uses | AllChemicals | AllChemicals

What is Hydrocarbons?

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed exclusively of carbon and hydrogen atoms. They are classified into aliphatic hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes), alicyclic compounds, and aromatic hydrocarbons based on their structure and bonding. Hydrocarbons are the primary constituents of petroleum and natural gas, and serve as fuels, industrial feedstocks, and starting materials for the synthesis of virtually all organic chemicals.

Key Facts

Term Hydrocarbons

Index All "H" terms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hydrocarbons?

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed exclusively of carbon and hydrogen atoms. They are classified into aliphatic hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes), alicyclic compounds, and aromatic hydrocarbons based on their structure and bonding. Hydrocarbons are the primary constituents of petroleum and natural gas, and serve as fuels, industrial feedstocks, and starting materials for the synthesis of virtually all organic chemicals.

More "H" Terms

Haber Process N₂ + 3H₂ ⇌ 2NH₃ | ΔH = −92 kJ/mol Hafnium Hf Half Cell Half Life Half-Cell E = E° − (RT/nF)lnQ Half-Life A(t) = A₀e^(−λt); t½ = ln2/λ Half-Reaction Halide X⁻ (e.g., F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻) Halogen F₂, Cl₂, Br₂, I₂, At; Group 17; ns²np⁵ valence configuration Halogenation C-X + Cl₂/Br₂ (hv or AlCl₃) → C-X(halogen); EAS or radical pathway Halogens Hard Acid Hard acid: small, highly charged, low polarisability (e.g., H⁺, Mg²⁺, Al³⁺)

View all "H" terms →