L. 2,3,4 Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes, Cyclic & Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons

Alkanes

Alkane Properties

Alkenes

Alkene Properties

Alkynes

Alkyne Properties

Cyclic Hydrocarbons

• Hydrocarbon molecules that form rings

• Can be alkanes, alkenes, or alkynes

• Found in many biological molecules including hormones and steroids

Aromatic Hydrocarbons

• Molecules with a ring structure

• Derive from benzene

  • A 6-carbon ring which has alternating single and double bonds

  • Referred to as resonance

Why does resonance occur?

• Electrons in aromatic hydrocarbons are spread out (delocalized) and shared equally between the carbon atoms

• Spreading makes the molecule more stable, so the electrons are less likely to react with other molecules