Hydrocarbon
A compound composed exclusively of carbon and hydrogen.
Formula / equation
CₓH_y
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
Hydrocarbons are classified as aliphatic or aromatic, and aliphatic ones further as saturated or unsaturated. Because C–H and C–C bonds are non-polar, hydrocarbons are insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents, and burn readily to give carbon dioxide and water.
Examples in the real world
Methane in natural gas, octane in petrol, ethene as a polymer feedstock, and benzene in coal tar.