Properties of Hydrocarbons

Chemistry has several branches, and organic chemistry is one of the branches of chemistry that generally deals with organic compounds’ structures, properties, and reactions with covalent bonds and carbon atoms. Hydrocarbons can be described as organic compounds consisting of two major kinds of atoms. These include carbons and hydrogen. Generally, these are colourless gases with nearly no odour. Based on their types, hydrocarbons may possess simple or complex structures. Mainly, these are classified into four major parts: alkenes, alkanes, alkynes, and aromatics. 

Today, we will read about the properties of hydrocarbons in detail, along with a brief introduction to hydrocarbons. So, if you’re ready, let’s get started!

What are hydrocarbons? 

Hydrocarbons belong to organic compounds made up of essential atoms called hydrogen and carbons. In everyday life, hydrocarbons play a significant role, and their study provides a deep insight into the properties and preparation of its functional groups. Hydrocarbons are mainly divided into six categories. These include Saturated hydrocarbons, Cycloalkanes, Unsaturated hydrocarbons, Aliphatic hydrocarbons, Aromatic hydrocarbons, and Alicyclic hydrocarbons. 

Several hydrocarbons, such as propane and butane, are used for commercial fuel purposes such as LPG or Liquefied Petroleum Gas. Benzene is another important aromatic hydrocarbon that makes raw material for synthetic drugs. Another hydrocarbon called carotene is an organic pigment commonly found in carrots. 

Properties of Hydrocarbons 

Since there are different molecular structures, the hydrocarbon’s empirical formula is completely different. 

For example, in alkanes, alkenes, or alkynes, the bonded hydrogen amount decreases in alkenes and alkynes, mainly because of the self-bonding. The hydrocarbons’ ability to build a bond with themselves is called catenation. They possess multiple capabilities to form complex molecules such as cyclohexane and, at times, aromatic hydrocarbons, including benzene. 

The size of Hydrocarbons is greatly affected by their properties, such as the boiling and melting points. As a result, certain hydrocarbons are present in the gaseous form at room temperature, whereas others are in solid or liquid forms. These are generally nonpolar, which means that the molecules of hydrocarbons do not possess oppositely charged sides which is why they do not dissolve in water. On the contrary, hydrocarbons tend to repel when in water. This is one major reason why hydrocarbons are mostly used in floor wax and similar products. 

Cracking of hydrocarbons

The cracking of hydrocarbons can be described as the heavy and bulky organic molecules being broken down into lighter molecules. This can be achieved by supplying an adequate amount of pressure and heat. To speed up the process a bit, catalysts are highly recommended. This process is mainly used in the production of gasoline and diesel fuel. 

Physical Properties of Hydrocarbons 

Alkanes with either 10 C-atoms or less than 10 C-atoms are mostly in the gaseous form at room temperature. Whereas, Alkanes with more than 10 C-atoms, the molecules are liquids or gases. Since Alkanes possess weak Vanderwal’s interaction, they have low melting and boiling points. The boiling point is dependent on the following factors – 

• Molecular mass

• Branching

Alkanes mostly have high boiling points and high molecular mass. For example – C2H6 possesses a high boiling point as compared to CH4. 

Types and their Properties of Hydrocarbons 

Each type of Hydrocarbons has varied physical and chemical properties depending on its nature. 

• Saturated hydrocarbons 

In saturated hydrocarbons, the carbon-carbon atoms and the carbon-hydrogen atoms are closely held together by a single bond that is the easiest hydrocarbon. Such hydrocarbons do not have either double or triple bonds. 

Saturated hydrocarbons are insoluble in water and possess lower densities when compared to water. As the ring size increases, the boiling and the melting point also increase. 

• Unsaturated hydrocarbons 

Unsaturated hydrocarbons consist of single, double, and even triple bonds between the carbon-carbon atoms. 

The triple-bonded compounds are referred to as alkynes, whereas the double-bonded compounds are referred to as alkenes. CnH2n-2 is the general formula for alkynes, and CnH2n is the formula for alkenes. 

• Cycloalkanes 

Cycloalkanes are hydrocarbons that possess either one or more carbon rings. The hydrogen atoms are closely attached to these carbon rings. The physical properties of Cycloalkanes are the same as alkanes; however, they possess higher melting and boiling points. 

• Aromatic hydrocarbons 

Also known as arenes, Aromatic hydrocarbons are compounds with at least one carbon ring. Aromatic hydrocarbons are highly unreactive. These compounds have sooty yellow flame when they are the prime characteristics of the arenes.

• Aliphatic hydrocarbons 

Aliphatic hydrocarbons have completely straight chain structures with no carbon rings in them. 

• Alicyclic hydrocarbons 

Alicyclic hydrocarbons are another type of hydrocarbon with a ring structure. Sp, Sp2 or Sp3 can be the carbon atoms. These can be both saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. Also, they don’t possess aromatic character. 

Conclusion 

With this, we come to an end of the properties of Hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that are formed by atoms called hydrogen and carbons. There are several chemical and physical properties of hydrocarbons that differentiate them. The size of Hydrocarbons is greatly affected by their properties, such as the boiling and melting points. 

As a result, certain hydrocarbons are present in the gaseous form at room temperature, whereas others are in solid or liquid forms. Hydrocarbons are further divided into six major parts, which possess different chemical and physical properties.