hydrocarbons

• • a hydrcarbon is made up of only carbon and hydrogen atoms
• alkanes:

  • first four: methane, ethane, propane, butane
  • formula: C(n)H(2n+2)
  • are homologous series
  • group of organic compounds that react in similar way
  • saturated compounds - only have four single bonds
• properties:

  • shorter chain, less viscous
  • shorter chain more volatile
  • shorter chain, more flammable
  • short chain hydrocrabons used as bottled gases
  • lower boiling points
  • stored under pressure as liquids
• • complete combustion happens when hydrocarbon reacts with oxygen
  • hydrocarbon + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water + energy
  • carbon and hydrogen oxidised
  • hydrocarbons used as fuels due to amount of energy released