JSS 3: HYDROCARBON
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that contain only carbon and hydrogen atoms. The general molecular formula of a hydrocarbon is Câ‚“Háµ§ , where x and y represent the number of carbon and hydrogen atoms, respectively. Examples of hydrocarbons include: Methane (CH₄), Ethene (C₂H₄), Ethyne (C₂H₂), Benzene (C₆H₆) etc Hydrocarbons are classified into two main groups according to their structure: 1. Aliphatic hydrocarbons e.g. Alkane, alkene, alkyne and cycloalkane 2. Aromatic hydrocarbons e.g. Benzene Sources of hydrocarbons The natural sources of hydrocarbons are: 1. Natural gas 2. Crude oil (Petroleum) 3. Coal They are known as fossil fuels. •Natural gas is a gaseous fuel •Petroleum is a dark viscous liquid fuel •Coal is a solid fuel Properties of Alkanes 1. They are saturated hydrocarbons containing only single covalent bonds (C–C) . 2....