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Hydrocarbons are the simplest organic compounds composed entirely of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms. They form the foundation of organic chemistry and are crucial for NEET aspirants. Understanding hydrocarbons helps in grasping reaction mechanisms, naming conventions, and predicting chemical properties. In NEET Chemistry, hydrocarbons are primarily divided into three types: Alkanes, Alkenes, and Alkynes, each with specific formulas, properties, and reactions. Mastering their formulas is essential for scoring high in the organic chemistry section.
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♦ Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry ⇒ Download Now
♦ Structure of Atom ⇒ Download Now
♦ Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties ⇒ Download Now
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♦ Some p-Block Elements ⇒ Download Now
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Hydrocarbons can be classified into the following categories: Alkanes (Saturated Hydrocarbons) General Formula: CₙH₂ₙ₊₂ They contain only single bonds between carbon atoms. Example: Methane (CH₄), Ethane (C₂H₆), Propane (C₃H₈) Properties: Non-polar, less reactive, undergo substitution reactions. Alkenes (Unsaturated Hydrocarbons with Double Bond) General Formula: CₙH₂ₙ Contain at least one double bond between carbon atoms. Example: Ethene (C₂H₄), Propene (C₃H₆) Properties: More reactive than alkanes, undergo addition reactions. Alkynes (Unsaturated Hydrocarbons with Triple Bond) General Formula: CₙH₂ₙ₋₂ Contain at least one triple bond between carbon atoms. Example: Ethyne (C₂H₂), Propyne (C₃H₄) Properties: Highly reactive, undergo addition reactions and can form acetylides. Aromatic Hydrocarbons Compounds containing benzene rings. Example: Benzene (C₆H₆), Toluene (C₇H₈) Important for NEET as they show unique stability (aromaticity).
Memorizing formulas is crucial for solving NEET questions quickly. Below are the key formulas: Alkanes (CₙH₂ₙ₊₂): Methane → CH₄ Ethane → C₂H₆ Propane → C₃H₈ Alkenes (CₙH₂ₙ): Ethene → C₂H₄ Propene → C₃H₆ Butene → C₄H₈ Alkynes (CₙH₂ₙ₋₂): Ethyne → C₂H₂ Propyne → C₃H₄ Butyne → C₄H₆ Aromatic Compounds: Benzene → C₆H₆ Toluene → C₇H₈ Xylene → C₈H₁₀ Nomenclature Tip: Use IUPAC rules: Identify the longest chain, locate multiple bonds, and number the carbon atoms to assign correct positions.
Physical Properties: Non-polar molecules, insoluble in water Boiling and melting points increase with molecular weight Lighter hydrocarbons are gases, medium ones are liquids, heavier are solids Chemical Properties: Alkanes: Substitution reactions (e.g., halogenation) Alkenes & Alkynes: Addition reactions (e.g., hydrogenation, halogenation) Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Electrophilic substitution reactions
Combustion: Hydrocarbons burn in oxygen to produce CO₂ and H₂O Halogenation: Replacement of H by halogens (mainly in alkanes) Hydrogenation: Addition of H₂ to double/triple bonds (alkenes/alkynes) Hydration: Addition of water to alkenes/alkynes to form alcohols Polymerization: Formation of polymers from alkenes (e.g., ethene → polyethylene)
Memorize general formulas and reaction types Focus on IUPAC naming rules Solve previous years’ NEET questions for hydrocarbons Use charts and tables for quick revision Practice mechanisms of substitution and addition reactions
Hydrocarbons form the backbone of organic chemistry and NEET exam preparation. Mastering the formulas, classification, properties, and reactions will boost your confidence and help solve multiple-choice questions quickly. StudentBro.in provides structured, student-friendly guides to simplify complex concepts and ensure success in NEET Chemistry. With regular practice, proper notes, and understanding of hydrocarbons, aspirants can achieve high scores in the organic chemistry section and gain a strong foundation for further chemical studies.
