Carbon atoms can form different kinds of compounds with short and long straight chains, rings and

branched chains structures connecting the atoms, with each bond representing a shared pair of electrons. Carbon
has a few unique bonding properties - the most important of which is its ability to form long chains of carbon.

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting primarily of carbon and hydrogen atoms.
Hydrocarbons occur naturally in fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal and peat.
Alkanes are hydrocarbon compounds that only have single bonds in the compounds. Alkanes are also known as
saturated hydrocarbons because additional hydrogen atoms can no longer bond in the compound.
“Saturated”, means that alkane contains the maximum number of hydrogens with no multiple bonds between
carbon atoms. The first alkane is methane, CH 4, and the second member is ethane, CH 3CH3, which are common
alkane compounds. The name of the compounds in this group all ends with –ane. (general chemical formula,
CnH2n+2)
Alkenes are hydrocarbons that have one or more carbon-carbon double bonds in their structures. They have less
than the maximum number of hydrogens, that’s why they are classified to be unsaturated. The simplest alkenes
are ethene, CH2CH2, and propene, CH2CHCH3. The name of alkene compounds ends in –ene. (general chemical
formula, CnH2n)
Alkynes contain at least one carbon-carbon triple bond. They have less than the maximum number of hydrogens,
that’s why they are classified to be unsaturated. The most common alkyne compound is ethyne or acetylene. The
name of alkyne compounds ends in –yne. (general chemical formula, CnH2n-2)

Writing the formula for Hydrocarbon can be written in three ways such as:
A. Molecular formula tells you how many atoms of each element are in a compound.
C4H10
B. Condensed Structural formula shows how many hydrogen atoms are attached to each carbon atom.

C. Structural formula identifies the location of chemical bonds between the atoms of a molecule.

Properties of Alkanes, Alkenes and Alkynes

 The trend in the structures of the compounds in alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes is the same. The size of the
structures of the compounds is increasing as the number of carbon atoms increases, because the
compounds become bigger or longer.
 The physical state of the alkanes from methane to butane is gas, and from pentane to octane is liquid.
The reason for this is related to the structure of the compounds. If the molecule of the compound is small,
it interacts less with each other. Just like methane, it is likely to be a gaseous compound. When the
molecules become bigger in size or structure, they can closely interact with each other, and they will
become more likely to be liquid just like in the case of octane. Octane molecules have a very long chained
structure that makes it heavy to be a gaseous compound. The trend in the phase of the compounds is also
the same with the alkenes and the alkynes. The phase of the alkenes and alkynes is a gas when the
molecules are small and become liquid as the molecules become bigger.
 The trend in the boiling point of the compounds in alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes increases as molecular
size or number of carbon atoms increases.
Uses of some hydrocarbons
Methane gas is the most common hydrocarbon. It is a major component of natural gas (biogas) and used for
home heating in clod countries. It is used as fuel for cigarette lighters and LPG. It is also mixed with other fuel
for vehicles. Alkenes serve as the primary materials in the production of polymers used in the manufacture of
plastics and similar synthetic materials. Ethene is a plant hormone that plays important roles in seed
germination. Butane gas is used as fuel, blended to other hydrocarbons to produce liquefied petroleum gas
(LPG), and is also used as fuel cigarette lighter. The color of the flame when butane is used in cigarette lighter
is blue. Ethyne gas or commonly known as acetylene is used commonly in flame torch that is used in welding
of iron, and when calcium carbide (kalburo) reacts with water such as moisture in air ethyne gas is produced
that is used for hastening the ripening of fruits. Examples of common liquid hydrocarbons are octane and
pentene. Octane and pentene are used as components of gasoline.
Functional group is a group of atoms that are bonded to the molecule. This group is responsible for the
characteristics or property of that compound.
Alcohol: It has hydroxyl group (-OH). If you are going to observe the structures of ethyl, isopropyl, and methyl
alcohol, you will notice the hydroxyl group (-OH) in their structures.
The simplest alcohol is methanol. It is used for the manufacture of plastics and synthetic fibers. Ethanol or ethyl
alcohol is a good solvent for many organic solutes that cannot dissolve in water. Most alcoholic beverages contain
ethanol. Cereal grains like corn are fermented to produce ethanol and very useful as an organic solvent and as
starting material in manufacture of dyes, synthetic drugs, and cosmetics. Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing
alcohol, is used as disinfectant in homes and hospitals.
Ketone: Propanone is the simplest and most important ketone, better known as acetone. It is colorless and has a
pungent and sweet smell. It is highly volatile, and flammable used in manufacture of drugs, cellulose acetate,
cellulose nitrate, acetylene, plastics, and varnishes. It is also used to remove paint, varnish, and nail polish.
Aldehyde: Formaldehyde is the simplest aldehyde which can be produced by heating methanol in the presence of
iron powder. It has an irritating and pungent odor and is soluble in water. It is marketed as formalin which contain
40% formaldehyde, that causes protein to coagulate. It is used in embalming and preserving tissues of specimens
and cadavers. Another example of formaldehyde is Cinnamaldehydes which has a pleasant odor and used in the
manufacture of perfumes.
Ester: Esters have –COOR as their functional group, known for their pleasant aromas and flavors. These sweet-
smelling compounds with distinct odors and flavors of many flowers and ripe fruits such as mango and pineapple
are due to the presence of esters. Some examples of natural esters are fats (lard, tallow, and butter) and oils
(olive and linseed). It is widely used as artificial flavors and solvents and used in the manufacture of perfumes and
flavorings agents in soft drink industries.
Carboxylic Acid: Carboxylic acids follow the general formula R-COOH. The bites of red ants, wasps and bee stings
contain formic acid. Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid, which we can get from the bites of some insects
used in leather and textile industries. Acetic acid commonly found in vinegars about 4% to 10 %. Acetic acid,
which we get from coconut and cider vinegar used as excellent solvent. Oxalic acid from sawdust used as stain
remover. Benzoic acid used to preserve foods such as catsup and fruit juices. Stearic acid and lauric acid used to
manufacture soap. Citric acid used in candy preparations and confectionaries.
Ether: Ether are products of the reaction of two molecules of alcohols R-O-R, where R may be the same or different alkyl or
aryl groups. Diethyl ether is the most essential compound of ether. It is used as an anesthetic and is valuable solvent for
gums, fats, and essential oils.
Amine: Amine contains nitrogen and have general formula RNH2 where R can either be H or alkyl groups. Aniline is the
simplest amine used in the manufacture of dyes but is considered to be a toxic substance. It has a peculiar,
unpleasant odor, for instance, the smell of a rotting fish is due to the presence of trimethylamine.
Amide: Amide also contains nitrogen, where the -NH2 group is attached directly to the carbonyl group. Acetamide is the
simplest form of amides. Organic compounds present in nylon, silk, and wool contain hundreds of amide groups.
Used in preparation of fertilizer.

Ethyl alcohol Isopropyl Methyl

alcohol alcohol

Formaldehyde Acetone