Hydrocarbons and Their Properties

You'll encounter three main types of hydrocarbons, and knowing their differences is crucial for your exams. Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons (only single bonds) with the general formula CnH₂n+₂ - think methane, ethane, and propane. They're brilliant fuels because they burn cleanly.

Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons containing at least one C=C double bond, following the pattern CnH₂n. These molecules are reactive superstars - they easily undergo addition reactions and are used to make polymers and alcohols. Remember: if a compound decolourises bromine water, it's unsaturated!

Cycloalkanes are ring-shaped saturated hydrocarbons (CnH₂n) that combine properties of both groups. They're used as fuels and solvents but have that distinctive circular structure, like cyclopropane with its three-carbon ring.

Quick Test Tip: Saturated = single bonds only. Unsaturated = contains double bonds and will decolourise bromine water.

Isomers are compounds with identical molecular formulae but different structural arrangements - they're like chemical twins with different personalities! This concept frequently appears in exam questions.