Hydrocarbons: A Comprehensive Overview with PYQs
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms. They form the basis of many organic molecules and are essential to various industries, including fuels, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.
Classification of Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons are broadly classified into two main categories:
1. Aliphatic Hydrocarbons: These have a straight or branched chain structure.
- Alkanes: Saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds between carbon atoms (e.g., methane, ethane).
- Alkenes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons with one double bond between carbon atoms (e.g., ethylene).
- Alkynes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons with one triple bond between carbon atoms (e.g., acetylene).
2. Aromatic Hydrocarbons: These have a ring structure with alternating single and double bonds (e.g., benzene).
Properties of Hydrocarbons
- Physical Properties: Hydrocarbons are generally colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Their physical states depend on their molecular weight (e.g., smaller ones are gases, larger ones are liquids or solids).
- Chemical Properties: Hydrocarbons undergo combustion reactions with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. They can also undergo addition reactions (e.g., with hydrogen or halogens) and substitution reactions (e.g., with halogens).
Importance of Hydrocarbons
- Fuels: Hydrocarbons like gasoline, diesel, and natural gas are primary sources of energy.
- Petrochemicals: Hydrocarbons are the building blocks for many petrochemical products, including plastics, synthetic rubber, and fibers.
- Pharmaceuticals: Many pharmaceutical compounds are derived from hydrocarbons or their derivatives.
PYQs on Hydrocarbons
Here are some examples of previous year questions (PYQs) on hydrocarbons:
