20 Examples of Hydrocarbons - encyclopedia

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Examples of hydrocarbons

Thehydrocarbons are organic compounds formed exclusively by a framework of hydrogen and carbon atoms, and which are the basis of all the organic chemistry. The structure of said atomic frameworks can be linear or branched, open or closed, and its ordering and quantity of components will depend on whether it is one or another substance.

The hydrocarbons They are flammable substances with a broad industrial transformation capacity, which is why they constitute the basis of world mining extraction, allowing the development of complex materials, caloric and electrical energy, and lighting, among other possible applications. They are also a source of considerable poisoning, as they often give off vapors that are harmful to health.

Hydrocarbons are classified according to two possible criteria:

According to its structure, we have:

Acyclic or open chains. In turn divided into linear or branched.
Cyclical or closed chains. In turn divided into monocyclic and polycyclic.

According to the type of bond between its atoms, we have:

Aromatics. They have an aromatic ring, that is, with a cyclic structure according to Hückel's rule. They are derivatives of Benzene.
Aliphatic. They lack an aromatic ring (not derived from benzene) and in turn are divided into: saturated (single atomic bonds) and unsaturated (at least one double bond).

Examples of hydrocarbons

Methane (CH₄). A gas with a repulsive odor, very flammable, present in the atmosphere of the great gaseous planets and as a product in ours of the decomposition of the organic material or product of mining activities.
Ethane (C₂H₆). Highly flammable gas of those that constitute natural gas and capable of producing freezing in contact with organic tissues.
Butane (C₄H₁₀). Colorless and stable gas, widely used as a high pressure fuel (liquid) in the domestic context.
Propane (C₃H₈). Too gaseous, colorless and odorless, endowed with high explosiveness and narcotic properties when in high concentrations.
Pentane (C5H12). Despite being one of the first four hydrocarbons alkanes, the pentane is in a liquid state normally. It is used as a solvent and as an energy medium, given its high safety and low cost.
Benzene (C₆H₆). A liquid colorless with a sweet aroma, highly flammable and also highly carcinogenic, it is among the currently most widely produced industrial products. It is used in the manufacture of rubbers, detergents, pesticides, medicines, plastics, resins and in the refining of petroleum.
Hexane (C₆H₁₄). One of the few toxic alkanes, it is used as a solvent in some paints and adhesives, as well as in obtaining pomace oil. Its use, however, is restricted, since it is an addictive neurotoxic.
Heptane (C₇H₁₆). Liquid under pressure and temperature environmental, it is highly flammable and explosive. It is used in the fuel industry as the zero point of octane, and as a working base in pharmaceuticals.
Octane (C₈H₁₈). It is the 100th point on the gasoline octane scale, opposite to heptane, and has a long list of isomers for industrial use.
1-Hexene (C₆H₁₂). Classified in the industry as a superior paraffin and alpha-olefin, it is a colorless liquid that is essential for obtaining polyethylene and certain aldehydes.
Ethylene (C₂H₄). The most widely used organic compound in the world, it is both a natural hormone of plants and an industrial compound necessary for the manufacture of plastic. It is usually obtained from the dehydrogenation of ethane.
Acetylene (C₂H₂). Colorless gas, lighter than air and highly flammable, it produces a flame capable of reaching 3000 ° C, one of the highest temperatures that man can handle. It is used as a source of lighting and heat in various industries and applications.
Trichlorethylene (C₂HCl₃). Colorless, non-flammable liquid, with a sweet smell and taste, it is highly carcinogenic and toxic, capable of interrupting the cardiac, respiratory and hepatic cycles. It is a powerful industrial solvent that does not exist in nature.
Trinitrotoluene (C₇H₅N₃OR₆). Known as TNT, it is a highly explosive, crystalline, pale yellow compound. It does not react with metals or absorb water, so it has a long life and is widely used as part of military and industrial bombs and explosives.
Phenol (C₆H₆OR). Also known as acid carbolic or phenyl or phenylhydroxide, it is solid in its pure form, crystalline and white or colorless. It is used to obtain resins, nylon and as a disinfectant or part of various medical preparations.
Tar. Complex mixture of organic compounds whose formula varies according to the nature of its production and its temperature and other variables, it is a liquid substance, bituminous, slimy and dark, strong odor and many applications, from psoriasis treatment to paving roads.
Also known as petroleum ether, it is a mixture volatile, flammable and liquid of saturated hydrocarbons, derived from petroleum, used as a solvent and as a fuel. It should not be confused with benzene, ethers, or gasoline.
Kerosene. A common fuel, not very clean and obtained through petroleum distillation natural. It is composed of a mixture of hydrocarbons in a transparent and yellowish liquid, insoluble in water, used for lighting and surface cleaning purposes, as well as a pesticide and motor lubricant.
Gasoline. Obtained from petroleum by direct or fractional distillation, this mixture of hundreds of hydrocarbons is used in internal combustion engines as the cleanest, most efficient and popular fuel known, especially after it was stripped of lead in the early 2000s. .
Petroleum. The most important hydrocarbon known in industrial terms, from which it is possible to synthesize many other and diverse types of substances, is produced underground from organic matter accumulated in geological traps and subjected to extremely high pressure. It is of fossil origin, a viscous and dense black liquid, whose world reserves are Non-renewable, but it constitutes the main input for the automotive, electrical, chemical and materials industries.