Question

How will you identify a hydrocarbon from its formula?

Answer 1

1. A chemical compound that contains Hydrogen and Carbon atoms is a hydrocarbon.
2. Alkanes are hydrocarbons that possess the general formula ${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{n}}{\mathrm{H}}_{2\mathrm{n}+2}$. For example, Methane${\mathrm{CH}}_4$ (For n=1).
3. Alkenes are hydrocarbons that possess the general formula ${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{n}}{\mathrm{H}}_{2\mathrm{n}}$. For example, Ethene${\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_4$ (For n=2)
4. Alkynes are hydrocarbons that possess the general formula ${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{n}}{\mathrm{H}}_{2\mathrm{n}-2}$. For example, Ethyne ${\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_2$ (For n=2)
5. If in the compound, there are elements other than Carbon and Hydrogen such as, the functional group, then also it is a hydrocarbon.