Use and Burning Hydrocarbons

A. The use of hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are one of the most important sources of energy on earth. The main use is as a fuel source. In solid form, hydrocarbons are one forming composition asphalt.

Hydrocarbons had also been used for the manufacture of chlorofluorocarbons, a substance used as a propellant in spray mosquito. Currently chlorofluorocarbons are no longer used because it has a bad effect on the ozone layer.

Methane and ethane are gases at room temperature and is not easily liquefied by pressure away. Propane is easier to be melted, and are usually sold in tubes in liquid form. Butane is very easily melted, making it safer and is often used for cigarette lighters. Pentane clear liquid at room temperature, typically used in industry as a solvent for waxes and greases. Hexane is also used as chemical solvents and are included in the composition of gasoline.

Hexane, heptane, octane, nonana, decane, including some with alkenes and cycloalkanes is an important component in gasoline, naphtha, jet fuel, and industrial solvents. With increasing carbon atoms, the hydrocarbon in the form of linear viscosity properties and will have a higher boiling point, with a darker color.


B. Burning hydrocarbons

Currently, hydrocarbons are energy sources of electricity and thermal energy in the world because it produces when burned.  hydrocarbon energy is usually often used directly for heating in homes, in the form of oil and natural gas. Hydrocarbons were burnt and the heat is used to evaporate water, which later spread to the rest of the steam room. A similar principle is used in power plants.

General characteristics of the hydrocarbons are generating vapor, carbon dioxide, and heat during combustion, and the oxygen necessary for combustion reactions can take place. Here is an example of the methane combustion reaction:

CH4 + 2 O2 → 2 CO2 + H2O + Energy

If poor air oxygen gas, it will form carbon monoxide (CO) and water:
2 CH4 + 3 O2 → 2CO + 4H2O

Another example, propane combustion reaction:
C3H8 + 5 O2 → 4 CO2 + H2O + 3 Energy
CnH2n +2 + (3n +1) / 2 O2 → (n +1) n CO2 + H2O + Energy

Including hydrocarbon combustion reactions exothermic chemical reactions.