hydrocarbon
A scientist points to a molecular model of a hydrocarbon on the classroom desk.
- Noun:
- An organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen: A hydrocarbon is a chemical compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. These are the primary components of fossil fuels like petroleum and natural gas.
- Noun:
- Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon.
- Crude oil is a complex mixture of many different hydrocarbons.
- The combustion of hydrocarbons releases energy.
"Saturated hydrocarbon": A hydrocarbon in which all carbon-carbon bonds are single bonds (e.g., alkanes like ethane).
- Butane is a saturated hydrocarbon commonly used as fuel.
"Unsaturated hydrocarbon": A hydrocarbon containing at least one carbon-carbon double or triple bond (e.g., alkenes like ethene or alkynes like ethyne).
- Ethene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon used in plastic production.
"Aromatic hydrocarbon": A hydrocarbon that contains a stable ring of atoms with alternating double bonds, like benzene.
- Benzene is a common aromatic hydrocarbon, though it is toxic.
- Hydrocarbonaceous (adj): Relating to or resembling a hydrocarbon.
- The sample had a hydrocarbonaceous composition.
- Organic compound: A broader category that includes hydrocarbons and other carbon-based molecules.
- Aliphatic compound: A term often used for non-aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., alkanes, alkenes).
(Note: 'Hydrocarbon' is primarily a scientific noun and does not form standard phrasal verbs. The following are common scientific collocations.) - Hydrocarbon chain: A linked series of carbon atoms in a molecule. - The detergent molecule has a long hydrocarbon chain.
- Hydrocarbon fuel: A fuel derived from hydrocarbons, such as gasoline or diesel.
- Most vehicles are powered by hydrocarbon fuels.
(Note: 'Hydrocarbon' is a technical term and is not typically used in idiomatic expressions.)
A scientist points to a molecular model of a hydrocarbon on the classroom desk.
- an organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen