Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes, and Arenes

The classes of hydrocarbons are alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and arenes Alkanes are hydrocarbons in which all of the bonds are single bonds and are characterized by the molecular formula C H2 +2... 

Distinguish alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and arenes by differences in bonding, structure, and reactivity. 

A. H. Haines, Methods for the Oxidation of Organic Compounds Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes and Arenes, Academic Press, Orlando, Florida, 1985. 

Haines AH (1985) Methods for the oxidation of organic compounds - alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and arenes. Academic Press, London... 

Hydrocarbons contain only hydrogen and carbon. The hydrocarbon functional groups include alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and arenes (aromatic compounds). Simple hydrocarbons have few medicinal applications, but are the feedstock of the petrochemical industry to produce plastics, dyes, solvents, detergents, and adhesives (to name just a few). Therefore, hydrocarbons are essential to the medical field. Additionally, all hydrocarbons are flammable and, therefore, find application as fuels. For example, gasoline is a mixture of hydrocarbons. 

Many of the principles of organic chemistry can be developed by examining the series of hydrocarbons in the order alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and arenes. Alkanes are introduced in this chapter, alkenes in Chapters 5 and 6, alkynes in Chapter 9, and arenes in Chapters 11 and 12. 

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