Uses of Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons coming from the class of the organic chemical compounds are entirely made up of two major elements, hydrogen and carbon. The carbon atoms help to join them closely to form the compound framework, whereas the hydrogen attaches them to multiple configurations. They are the principal constituents of natural gas and petroleum and serve as lubricants and fuels for the production of fibres, solvents, explosives, plastics, rubber, as well as industrial chemicals. Based on their types, hydrocarbons may possess simple or complex structures. Mainly, these are further classified into four major parts, namely, alkenes, alkanes, alkynes, and aromatics. 

There are several hydrocarbon questions such as what are propane and butane. These are used for commercial fuel purposes such as LPG or Liquefied Petroleum Gas. Benzene, another important aromatic hydrocarbon, is a raw material for making synthetic drugs. Here, we are going to discuss the various uses of hydrocarbons and questions under the uses of hydrocarbons.

What are Hydrocarbons? 

Hydrocarbons can be described as organic compounds solely made up of two major kinds of atoms. These include carbon and hydrogen. Generally, these are colourless gases with nearly no odour. Based on their types, hydrocarbons may possess simple or complex structures. In everyday life, hydrocarbons play a significant role, and their study provides a deep insight into the properties and preparation of its functional groups. 

Ancient chemists describe hydrocarbons as either aromatic or aliphatic. Mainly, they are classified on the basis of their properties and sources. However, today, hydrocarbons will be classified not just on the basis of their origin but structure as well. Since they have different molecular structures, the empirical formula of one hydrocarbon is completely different from another. 

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

Explain the different uses of hydrocarbons 

In today’s modern life, it is nearly impossible to overstate the uses or the importance of hydrocarbons. Many times, hydrocarbons are referred to as the driving force of Western civilization, which means they open doors for new, unexplored innovations. Some of the most important uses of hydrocarbons are listed below: 

Usage of hydrocarbons in the commercial industry 

Hydrocarbons are mainly used as a fuel in the commercial industry. Ethane, a type of hydrocarbon, is used for power generation. Propane is used for space heating, cooling, drying, water heating, petrochemical feedstock, and transportation. Butanes are used for petroleum and petrochemical refinery feedstock. Natural gasoline is used as the diluent for heavy crude oil. Some common examples are liquefied petroleum gas and Liquefied natural gas. 

Usage of hydrocarbons to manufacture polymers

Alkanes are used for producing polymers. These are exceptionally large molecules that are made when several smaller reactive molecules come together. These smaller molecules are referred to as monomers. 

Usage of hydrocarbons in the medical industry 

Aromatic compounds act as the basics to produce explosives, antiseptics, drugs, plastics, and solvents. They consist of planar molecules with conjugation in the ring format. These compounds are called aromatics or arenes.

These compounds do not have a single or double molecular bond, and instead, they have the company of pi-electron clouds in the delocalisation state. Aromatic hydrocarbons are the primary example of aromatic compounds bonding with the pi-electrons cloud. In aromatic hydrocarbons, many elements like benzene and toluene form the sigma bond with planar ring conjugation.

Hydrocarbons also act as lubricating oil or grease 

In order to minimise wear on bearing and other metal surfaces that experience friction at the time of the operation, the lubricants are manufactured from hydrocarbons. Alkanes are one major type of hydrocarbon that acts as a lubricant. 

Different types of hydrocarbons and their uses 

Hydrocarbons are mainly divided into six categories and their uses vary depending upon the category. These include: 

• Saturated hydrocarbons: Saturated hydrocarbons are widely used as heating oils, fuels, and solvents. Also, these are used in water heaters, several automobiles, and ovens. 
• Unsaturated hydrocarbons: These are commonly used for industrial products such as to produce pesticides, paints, fuel, and more. 
• Cycloalkanes: There are many different purposes to use cycloalkanes. It is mainly used in natural gas, motor fuel, kerosene gas, petroleum gas, and other oils. 
• Aromatic hydrocarbons: Aromatic hydrocarbons are mainly used for manufacturing paints, detergents, lacquers, pesticides, and so on. 
• Aliphatic hydrocarbons: Mostly, the uses of aliphatic hydrocarbons are flammable, including liquefied natural gas, methane in Bunsen burners, and ethylene in welding. 
• Alicyclic hydrocarbons: Alicyclic hydrocarbons are used for producing electricity. It is also used as a sanitation and fertiliser product in several industries. Also, it is an antifreeze ingredient. 

Conclusion 

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds made up of the most important atoms called hydrogen and carbon. In everyday life, hydrocarbons play a significant role, and their study provides a deep insight into the properties and preparation of its functional groups. 

Mostly, hydrocarbons are widely used in several industries in different ways. It plays a significant role in industries like manufacturing, commercial, and medical. Apart from this, hydrocarbons are used as lubricants and greases to minimise wear on bearing and other metal surfaces that experience friction at the time of the operation; the lubricants are manufactured through hydrocarbons. In the end, we also discussed the uses of types of hydrocarbons.