hydrocarbon

UK: ˈhaɪdrəʊˌkɑːbən | US: ˈhaɪdroʊˌkɑːrbən

Definition

  1. n. A compound consisting of hydrogen and carbon atoms, typically found in petroleum, natural gas, and coal.

Structure
hydro <water, from Greek *hydor*>carbon <coal, from Latin *carbo*>
Etymology

The word hydrocarbon combines Greek hydro- (water) and Latin carbon (coal), reflecting its chemical composition of hydrogen (historically linked to water) and carbon (abundant in coal). The term emerged in early 19th-century chemistry to classify organic compounds derived from fossil fuels.

Examples

  1. Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon, with one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.

  2. Petroleum refineries process hydrocarbons into fuels like gasoline.

  3. Burning hydrocarbons releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

  4. Scientists study hydrocarbon chains to understand organic chemistry.

  5. Natural gas primarily consists of lightweight hydrocarbons.