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295 Hydrocarbons
Unit 9
After studying this unit, you will be 
able to 
• name hydrocarbons according to 
IUPAC system of nomenclature; 
• recognise and write structures  
of isomers of alkanes, 
alkenes, alkynes and aromatic 
hydrocarbons;
• learn about various methods of 
preparation of hydrocarbons;
• distinguish between alkanes, 
alkenes, alkynes and aromatic 
hydrocarbons on the basis of 
physical and chemical properties;
• draw and differentiate between 
various conformations of ethane;
• appreciate the role of 
hydrocarbons as sources of  
energy and for other industrial 
applications;
• predict the formation of 
the addition products of 
unsymmetrical alkenes and 
alkynes on the basis of electronic 
mechanism;
• comprehend the structure of 
benzene, explain aromaticity  
and understand mechanism  
of electrophilic substitution 
reactions of benzene; 
• predict the directive influence of 
substituents in monosubstituted 
benzene ring;
• learn about carcinogenicity and 
toxicity.
Hydrocarbons
The term ‘hydrocarbon’ is self-explanatory which means 
compounds of carbon and hydrogen only. Hydrocarbons 
play a key role in our daily life. You must be familiar 
with the terms ‘LPG’ and ‘CNG’ used as fuels. LPG is the 
abbreviated form of liquified petroleum gas whereas CNG 
stands for compressed natural gas. Another term ‘LNG’ 
(liquified natural gas) is also in news these days. This is 
also a fuel and is obtained by liquifaction of natural gas. 
Petrol, diesel and kerosene oil are obtained by the fractional 
distillation of petroleum found under the earth’s crust.  
Coal gas is obtained by the destructive distillation of 
coal. Natural gas is found in upper strata during drilling 
of oil wells. The gas after compression is known as 
compressed natural gas. LPG is used as a domestic fuel 
with the least pollution. Kerosene oil is also used as a 
domestic fuel but it causes some pollution. Automobiles 
need fuels like petrol, diesel and CNG. Petrol and CNG 
operated automobiles cause less pollution. All these fuels 
contain mixture of hydrocarbons, which are sources of 
energy. Hydrocarbons are also used for the manufacture 
of polymers like polythene, polypropene, polystyrene etc. 
Higher hydrocarbons are used as solvents for paints. They 
are also used as the starting materials for manufacture 
of many dyes and drugs. Thus, you can well understand 
the importance of hydrocarbons in your daily life. In this 
unit, you will learn more about hydrocarbons.
9.1 cLassi Fication
Hydrocarbons are of different types. Depending upon 
the types of carbon-carbon bonds present, they can 
be classified into three main categories – (i) saturated  
Hydrocarbons are the important sources of energy.
Unit 9.indd   295 10/10/2022   10:37:52 AM
Rationalised 2023-24
Page 2


295 Hydrocarbons
Unit 9
After studying this unit, you will be 
able to 
• name hydrocarbons according to 
IUPAC system of nomenclature; 
• recognise and write structures  
of isomers of alkanes, 
alkenes, alkynes and aromatic 
hydrocarbons;
• learn about various methods of 
preparation of hydrocarbons;
• distinguish between alkanes, 
alkenes, alkynes and aromatic 
hydrocarbons on the basis of 
physical and chemical properties;
• draw and differentiate between 
various conformations of ethane;
• appreciate the role of 
hydrocarbons as sources of  
energy and for other industrial 
applications;
• predict the formation of 
the addition products of 
unsymmetrical alkenes and 
alkynes on the basis of electronic 
mechanism;
• comprehend the structure of 
benzene, explain aromaticity  
and understand mechanism  
of electrophilic substitution 
reactions of benzene; 
• predict the directive influence of 
substituents in monosubstituted 
benzene ring;
• learn about carcinogenicity and 
toxicity.
Hydrocarbons
The term ‘hydrocarbon’ is self-explanatory which means 
compounds of carbon and hydrogen only. Hydrocarbons 
play a key role in our daily life. You must be familiar 
with the terms ‘LPG’ and ‘CNG’ used as fuels. LPG is the 
abbreviated form of liquified petroleum gas whereas CNG 
stands for compressed natural gas. Another term ‘LNG’ 
(liquified natural gas) is also in news these days. This is 
also a fuel and is obtained by liquifaction of natural gas. 
Petrol, diesel and kerosene oil are obtained by the fractional 
distillation of petroleum found under the earth’s crust.  
Coal gas is obtained by the destructive distillation of 
coal. Natural gas is found in upper strata during drilling 
of oil wells. The gas after compression is known as 
compressed natural gas. LPG is used as a domestic fuel 
with the least pollution. Kerosene oil is also used as a 
domestic fuel but it causes some pollution. Automobiles 
need fuels like petrol, diesel and CNG. Petrol and CNG 
operated automobiles cause less pollution. All these fuels 
contain mixture of hydrocarbons, which are sources of 
energy. Hydrocarbons are also used for the manufacture 
of polymers like polythene, polypropene, polystyrene etc. 
Higher hydrocarbons are used as solvents for paints. They 
are also used as the starting materials for manufacture 
of many dyes and drugs. Thus, you can well understand 
the importance of hydrocarbons in your daily life. In this 
unit, you will learn more about hydrocarbons.
9.1 cLassi Fication
Hydrocarbons are of different types. Depending upon 
the types of carbon-carbon bonds present, they can 
be classified into three main categories – (i) saturated  
Hydrocarbons are the important sources of energy.
Unit 9.indd   295 10/10/2022   10:37:52 AM
Rationalised 2023-24
296 chemistry (ii) unsaturated and (iii) aromatic 
hydrocarbons. Saturated hydrocarbons 
contain carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen 
single bonds. If different carbon atoms are 
joined together to form open chain of carbon 
atoms with single bonds, they are termed 
as alkanes as you have already studied in  
Unit 8. On the other hand, if carbon atoms 
form a closed chain or a ring, they are termed 
as cycloalkanes. Unsaturated hydrocarbons 
contain carbon-carbon multiple bonds – 
double bonds, triple bonds or both. Aromatic 
hydrocarbons are a special type of cyclic 
compounds. You can construct a large 
number of models of such molecules of both 
types (open chain and close chain) keeping 
in mind that carbon is tetravalent and 
hydrogen is monovalent. For making models 
of alkanes, you can use toothpicks for bonds 
and plasticine balls for atoms. For alkenes, 
alkynes and aromatic hydrocarbons, spring 
models can be constructed.
9.2  ALKANES 
As already mentioned, alkanes are saturated 
open chain hydrocarbons containing  
carbon - carbon single bonds. Methane (CH
4
) 
is the first member of this family. Methane is 
a gas found in coal mines and marshy places. 
If you replace one hydrogen atom of methane 
by carbon and join the required number of 
hydrogens to satisfy the tetravalence of the 
other carbon atom, what do you get? You 
get C
2
H
6
. This hydrocarbon with molecular 
formula C
2
H
6
 is known as ethane. Thus you 
can consider C
2
H
6
 as derived from CH
4
 by 
replacing one hydrogen atom by -CH
3
 group. 
Go on constructing alkanes by doing this 
theoretical exercise i.e., replacing hydrogen 
atom by –CH
3
 group. The next molecules will 
be C
3
H
8
, C
4
H
10 
… 
of the general formula for alkane family 
or homologous series? If we examine the 
formula of different alkanes we find that 
the general formula for alkanes is C
n
H
2n+2
. It 
represents any particular homologue when n 
is given appropriate value. Can you recall the 
structure of methane? According to VSEPR 
theory (Unit 4), methane has a tetrahedral 
structure (Fig. 9.1), in which carbon atom lies 
at the centre and the four hydrogen atoms lie 
at the four corners of a regular tetrahedron.  
All H-C-H  bond angles are of 109.5°. 
In alkanes, tetrahedra are joined together 
in which C-C and C-H bond lengths are  
154 pm and 112 pm respectively (Unit 8). 
You have already read that C–C and C–H s 
bonds are formed by head-on overlapping of 
sp
3
 hybrid orbitals of carbon and 1s orbitals 
of hydrogen atoms.
9.2.1 Nomenclature and Isomerism 
You have already read about nomenclature 
of different classes of organic compounds 
in Unit 8. Nomenclature and isomerism 
in alkanes can further be understood with 
the help of a few more examples. Common 
names are given in parenthesis. First three 
alkanes – methane, ethane and propane have 
only one structure but higher alkanes can 
have more than one structure. Let us write 
structures for C
4
H
10
. Four carbon atoms of 
C
4
H
10 
can be joined either in a continuous 
chain or with a branched chain in the 
following two ways :
Fig. 9.1  Structure of methane
   Butane (n- butane), (b.p. 273 K)
I
 H H H  
   
H—C—H 
replace any H by - CH
3
 H—C—C—H or C
2
H
6
   
 H H H 
 These hydrocarbons are inert under 
normal conditions as they do not react with 
acids, bases and other reagents. Hence, 
they were earlier known as paraffins (latin : 
parum, little; affinis, affinity). Can you think 
Unit 9.indd   296 11/10/2022   15:24:01
Rationalised 2023-24
Page 3


295 Hydrocarbons
Unit 9
After studying this unit, you will be 
able to 
• name hydrocarbons according to 
IUPAC system of nomenclature; 
• recognise and write structures  
of isomers of alkanes, 
alkenes, alkynes and aromatic 
hydrocarbons;
• learn about various methods of 
preparation of hydrocarbons;
• distinguish between alkanes, 
alkenes, alkynes and aromatic 
hydrocarbons on the basis of 
physical and chemical properties;
• draw and differentiate between 
various conformations of ethane;
• appreciate the role of 
hydrocarbons as sources of  
energy and for other industrial 
applications;
• predict the formation of 
the addition products of 
unsymmetrical alkenes and 
alkynes on the basis of electronic 
mechanism;
• comprehend the structure of 
benzene, explain aromaticity  
and understand mechanism  
of electrophilic substitution 
reactions of benzene; 
• predict the directive influence of 
substituents in monosubstituted 
benzene ring;
• learn about carcinogenicity and 
toxicity.
Hydrocarbons
The term ‘hydrocarbon’ is self-explanatory which means 
compounds of carbon and hydrogen only. Hydrocarbons 
play a key role in our daily life. You must be familiar 
with the terms ‘LPG’ and ‘CNG’ used as fuels. LPG is the 
abbreviated form of liquified petroleum gas whereas CNG 
stands for compressed natural gas. Another term ‘LNG’ 
(liquified natural gas) is also in news these days. This is 
also a fuel and is obtained by liquifaction of natural gas. 
Petrol, diesel and kerosene oil are obtained by the fractional 
distillation of petroleum found under the earth’s crust.  
Coal gas is obtained by the destructive distillation of 
coal. Natural gas is found in upper strata during drilling 
of oil wells. The gas after compression is known as 
compressed natural gas. LPG is used as a domestic fuel 
with the least pollution. Kerosene oil is also used as a 
domestic fuel but it causes some pollution. Automobiles 
need fuels like petrol, diesel and CNG. Petrol and CNG 
operated automobiles cause less pollution. All these fuels 
contain mixture of hydrocarbons, which are sources of 
energy. Hydrocarbons are also used for the manufacture 
of polymers like polythene, polypropene, polystyrene etc. 
Higher hydrocarbons are used as solvents for paints. They 
are also used as the starting materials for manufacture 
of many dyes and drugs. Thus, you can well understand 
the importance of hydrocarbons in your daily life. In this 
unit, you will learn more about hydrocarbons.
9.1 cLassi Fication
Hydrocarbons are of different types. Depending upon 
the types of carbon-carbon bonds present, they can 
be classified into three main categories – (i) saturated  
Hydrocarbons are the important sources of energy.
Unit 9.indd   295 10/10/2022   10:37:52 AM
Rationalised 2023-24
296 chemistry (ii) unsaturated and (iii) aromatic 
hydrocarbons. Saturated hydrocarbons 
contain carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen 
single bonds. If different carbon atoms are 
joined together to form open chain of carbon 
atoms with single bonds, they are termed 
as alkanes as you have already studied in  
Unit 8. On the other hand, if carbon atoms 
form a closed chain or a ring, they are termed 
as cycloalkanes. Unsaturated hydrocarbons 
contain carbon-carbon multiple bonds – 
double bonds, triple bonds or both. Aromatic 
hydrocarbons are a special type of cyclic 
compounds. You can construct a large 
number of models of such molecules of both 
types (open chain and close chain) keeping 
in mind that carbon is tetravalent and 
hydrogen is monovalent. For making models 
of alkanes, you can use toothpicks for bonds 
and plasticine balls for atoms. For alkenes, 
alkynes and aromatic hydrocarbons, spring 
models can be constructed.
9.2  ALKANES 
As already mentioned, alkanes are saturated 
open chain hydrocarbons containing  
carbon - carbon single bonds. Methane (CH
4
) 
is the first member of this family. Methane is 
a gas found in coal mines and marshy places. 
If you replace one hydrogen atom of methane 
by carbon and join the required number of 
hydrogens to satisfy the tetravalence of the 
other carbon atom, what do you get? You 
get C
2
H
6
. This hydrocarbon with molecular 
formula C
2
H
6
 is known as ethane. Thus you 
can consider C
2
H
6
 as derived from CH
4
 by 
replacing one hydrogen atom by -CH
3
 group. 
Go on constructing alkanes by doing this 
theoretical exercise i.e., replacing hydrogen 
atom by –CH
3
 group. The next molecules will 
be C
3
H
8
, C
4
H
10 
… 
of the general formula for alkane family 
or homologous series? If we examine the 
formula of different alkanes we find that 
the general formula for alkanes is C
n
H
2n+2
. It 
represents any particular homologue when n 
is given appropriate value. Can you recall the 
structure of methane? According to VSEPR 
theory (Unit 4), methane has a tetrahedral 
structure (Fig. 9.1), in which carbon atom lies 
at the centre and the four hydrogen atoms lie 
at the four corners of a regular tetrahedron.  
All H-C-H  bond angles are of 109.5°. 
In alkanes, tetrahedra are joined together 
in which C-C and C-H bond lengths are  
154 pm and 112 pm respectively (Unit 8). 
You have already read that C–C and C–H s 
bonds are formed by head-on overlapping of 
sp
3
 hybrid orbitals of carbon and 1s orbitals 
of hydrogen atoms.
9.2.1 Nomenclature and Isomerism 
You have already read about nomenclature 
of different classes of organic compounds 
in Unit 8. Nomenclature and isomerism 
in alkanes can further be understood with 
the help of a few more examples. Common 
names are given in parenthesis. First three 
alkanes – methane, ethane and propane have 
only one structure but higher alkanes can 
have more than one structure. Let us write 
structures for C
4
H
10
. Four carbon atoms of 
C
4
H
10 
can be joined either in a continuous 
chain or with a branched chain in the 
following two ways :
Fig. 9.1  Structure of methane
   Butane (n- butane), (b.p. 273 K)
I
 H H H  
   
H—C—H 
replace any H by - CH
3
 H—C—C—H or C
2
H
6
   
 H H H 
 These hydrocarbons are inert under 
normal conditions as they do not react with 
acids, bases and other reagents. Hence, 
they were earlier known as paraffins (latin : 
parum, little; affinis, affinity). Can you think 
Unit 9.indd   296 11/10/2022   15:24:01
Rationalised 2023-24
297 Hydrocarbons
 In how many ways, you can join five 
carbon atoms and twelve hydrogen atoms of 
C
5
H
12
? They can be arranged in three ways 
as shown in structures III–V
isomers. It is also clear that structures I and 
III have continuous chain of carbon atoms 
but structures II, IV and V have a branched 
chain. Such structural isomers which differ 
in chain of carbon atoms are known as chain 
isomers. Thus, you have seen that C
4
H
10
 
and C
5
H
12
 have two and three chain isomers 
respectively.
Problem 9.1
Write structures of different chain 
isomers of alkanes corresponding to the 
molecular formula C
6
H
14
. Also write their 
IUPAC names.
solution
(i) CH
3
 – CH
2
 – CH
2
 – CH
2
– CH
2
– CH
3
n-Hexane
2-Methylpentane
3-Methylpentane
2,3-Dimethylbutane
 2,2 - Dimethylbutane
 Based upon the number of carbon atoms 
attached to a carbon atom, the carbon atom is 
termed as primary (1°), secondary (2°), tertiary 
(3°) or quaternary (4°). Carbon atom attached 
to no other carbon atom as in methane or to 
only one carbon atom as in ethane is called 
primary carbon atom. Terminal carbon 
atoms are always primary. Carbon atom 
attached to two carbon atoms is known as 
secondary. Tertiary carbon is attached to 
three carbon atoms and neo or quaternary 
carbon is attached to four carbon atoms. Can 
you identify 1°, 2°, 3° and 4° carbon atoms in 
II
2-Methylpropane (isobutane) 
 (b.p.261 K)
Structures I and II possess same molecular 
formula but differ in their boiling points and 
other properties. Similarly structures III, IV 
and V possess the same molecular formula 
but have different properties. Structures I and 
II are isomers of butane, whereas structures 
III, IV and V are isomers of pentane. Since 
difference in properties is due to difference in 
their structures, they are known as structural 
III
Pentane (n-pentane)
(b.p. 309 K)
 2-Methylbutane (isopentane) 
(b.p. 301 K)
IV
2,2-Dimethylpropane (neopentane) 
(b.p. 282.5 K)
V
Unit 9.indd   297 10/10/2022   10:37:53 AM
Rationalised 2023-24
Page 4


295 Hydrocarbons
Unit 9
After studying this unit, you will be 
able to 
• name hydrocarbons according to 
IUPAC system of nomenclature; 
• recognise and write structures  
of isomers of alkanes, 
alkenes, alkynes and aromatic 
hydrocarbons;
• learn about various methods of 
preparation of hydrocarbons;
• distinguish between alkanes, 
alkenes, alkynes and aromatic 
hydrocarbons on the basis of 
physical and chemical properties;
• draw and differentiate between 
various conformations of ethane;
• appreciate the role of 
hydrocarbons as sources of  
energy and for other industrial 
applications;
• predict the formation of 
the addition products of 
unsymmetrical alkenes and 
alkynes on the basis of electronic 
mechanism;
• comprehend the structure of 
benzene, explain aromaticity  
and understand mechanism  
of electrophilic substitution 
reactions of benzene; 
• predict the directive influence of 
substituents in monosubstituted 
benzene ring;
• learn about carcinogenicity and 
toxicity.
Hydrocarbons
The term ‘hydrocarbon’ is self-explanatory which means 
compounds of carbon and hydrogen only. Hydrocarbons 
play a key role in our daily life. You must be familiar 
with the terms ‘LPG’ and ‘CNG’ used as fuels. LPG is the 
abbreviated form of liquified petroleum gas whereas CNG 
stands for compressed natural gas. Another term ‘LNG’ 
(liquified natural gas) is also in news these days. This is 
also a fuel and is obtained by liquifaction of natural gas. 
Petrol, diesel and kerosene oil are obtained by the fractional 
distillation of petroleum found under the earth’s crust.  
Coal gas is obtained by the destructive distillation of 
coal. Natural gas is found in upper strata during drilling 
of oil wells. The gas after compression is known as 
compressed natural gas. LPG is used as a domestic fuel 
with the least pollution. Kerosene oil is also used as a 
domestic fuel but it causes some pollution. Automobiles 
need fuels like petrol, diesel and CNG. Petrol and CNG 
operated automobiles cause less pollution. All these fuels 
contain mixture of hydrocarbons, which are sources of 
energy. Hydrocarbons are also used for the manufacture 
of polymers like polythene, polypropene, polystyrene etc. 
Higher hydrocarbons are used as solvents for paints. They 
are also used as the starting materials for manufacture 
of many dyes and drugs. Thus, you can well understand 
the importance of hydrocarbons in your daily life. In this 
unit, you will learn more about hydrocarbons.
9.1 cLassi Fication
Hydrocarbons are of different types. Depending upon 
the types of carbon-carbon bonds present, they can 
be classified into three main categories – (i) saturated  
Hydrocarbons are the important sources of energy.
Unit 9.indd   295 10/10/2022   10:37:52 AM
Rationalised 2023-24
296 chemistry (ii) unsaturated and (iii) aromatic 
hydrocarbons. Saturated hydrocarbons 
contain carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen 
single bonds. If different carbon atoms are 
joined together to form open chain of carbon 
atoms with single bonds, they are termed 
as alkanes as you have already studied in  
Unit 8. On the other hand, if carbon atoms 
form a closed chain or a ring, they are termed 
as cycloalkanes. Unsaturated hydrocarbons 
contain carbon-carbon multiple bonds – 
double bonds, triple bonds or both. Aromatic 
hydrocarbons are a special type of cyclic 
compounds. You can construct a large 
number of models of such molecules of both 
types (open chain and close chain) keeping 
in mind that carbon is tetravalent and 
hydrogen is monovalent. For making models 
of alkanes, you can use toothpicks for bonds 
and plasticine balls for atoms. For alkenes, 
alkynes and aromatic hydrocarbons, spring 
models can be constructed.
9.2  ALKANES 
As already mentioned, alkanes are saturated 
open chain hydrocarbons containing  
carbon - carbon single bonds. Methane (CH
4
) 
is the first member of this family. Methane is 
a gas found in coal mines and marshy places. 
If you replace one hydrogen atom of methane 
by carbon and join the required number of 
hydrogens to satisfy the tetravalence of the 
other carbon atom, what do you get? You 
get C
2
H
6
. This hydrocarbon with molecular 
formula C
2
H
6
 is known as ethane. Thus you 
can consider C
2
H
6
 as derived from CH
4
 by 
replacing one hydrogen atom by -CH
3
 group. 
Go on constructing alkanes by doing this 
theoretical exercise i.e., replacing hydrogen 
atom by –CH
3
 group. The next molecules will 
be C
3
H
8
, C
4
H
10 
… 
of the general formula for alkane family 
or homologous series? If we examine the 
formula of different alkanes we find that 
the general formula for alkanes is C
n
H
2n+2
. It 
represents any particular homologue when n 
is given appropriate value. Can you recall the 
structure of methane? According to VSEPR 
theory (Unit 4), methane has a tetrahedral 
structure (Fig. 9.1), in which carbon atom lies 
at the centre and the four hydrogen atoms lie 
at the four corners of a regular tetrahedron.  
All H-C-H  bond angles are of 109.5°. 
In alkanes, tetrahedra are joined together 
in which C-C and C-H bond lengths are  
154 pm and 112 pm respectively (Unit 8). 
You have already read that C–C and C–H s 
bonds are formed by head-on overlapping of 
sp
3
 hybrid orbitals of carbon and 1s orbitals 
of hydrogen atoms.
9.2.1 Nomenclature and Isomerism 
You have already read about nomenclature 
of different classes of organic compounds 
in Unit 8. Nomenclature and isomerism 
in alkanes can further be understood with 
the help of a few more examples. Common 
names are given in parenthesis. First three 
alkanes – methane, ethane and propane have 
only one structure but higher alkanes can 
have more than one structure. Let us write 
structures for C
4
H
10
. Four carbon atoms of 
C
4
H
10 
can be joined either in a continuous 
chain or with a branched chain in the 
following two ways :
Fig. 9.1  Structure of methane
   Butane (n- butane), (b.p. 273 K)
I
 H H H  
   
H—C—H 
replace any H by - CH
3
 H—C—C—H or C
2
H
6
   
 H H H 
 These hydrocarbons are inert under 
normal conditions as they do not react with 
acids, bases and other reagents. Hence, 
they were earlier known as paraffins (latin : 
parum, little; affinis, affinity). Can you think 
Unit 9.indd   296 11/10/2022   15:24:01
Rationalised 2023-24
297 Hydrocarbons
 In how many ways, you can join five 
carbon atoms and twelve hydrogen atoms of 
C
5
H
12
? They can be arranged in three ways 
as shown in structures III–V
isomers. It is also clear that structures I and 
III have continuous chain of carbon atoms 
but structures II, IV and V have a branched 
chain. Such structural isomers which differ 
in chain of carbon atoms are known as chain 
isomers. Thus, you have seen that C
4
H
10
 
and C
5
H
12
 have two and three chain isomers 
respectively.
Problem 9.1
Write structures of different chain 
isomers of alkanes corresponding to the 
molecular formula C
6
H
14
. Also write their 
IUPAC names.
solution
(i) CH
3
 – CH
2
 – CH
2
 – CH
2
– CH
2
– CH
3
n-Hexane
2-Methylpentane
3-Methylpentane
2,3-Dimethylbutane
 2,2 - Dimethylbutane
 Based upon the number of carbon atoms 
attached to a carbon atom, the carbon atom is 
termed as primary (1°), secondary (2°), tertiary 
(3°) or quaternary (4°). Carbon atom attached 
to no other carbon atom as in methane or to 
only one carbon atom as in ethane is called 
primary carbon atom. Terminal carbon 
atoms are always primary. Carbon atom 
attached to two carbon atoms is known as 
secondary. Tertiary carbon is attached to 
three carbon atoms and neo or quaternary 
carbon is attached to four carbon atoms. Can 
you identify 1°, 2°, 3° and 4° carbon atoms in 
II
2-Methylpropane (isobutane) 
 (b.p.261 K)
Structures I and II possess same molecular 
formula but differ in their boiling points and 
other properties. Similarly structures III, IV 
and V possess the same molecular formula 
but have different properties. Structures I and 
II are isomers of butane, whereas structures 
III, IV and V are isomers of pentane. Since 
difference in properties is due to difference in 
their structures, they are known as structural 
III
Pentane (n-pentane)
(b.p. 309 K)
 2-Methylbutane (isopentane) 
(b.p. 301 K)
IV
2,2-Dimethylpropane (neopentane) 
(b.p. 282.5 K)
V
Unit 9.indd   297 10/10/2022   10:37:53 AM
Rationalised 2023-24
298 chemistry structures I to V ? If you go on constructing 
structures for higher alkanes, you will be 
getting still larger number of isomers. C
6
H
14
 
has got five isomers and C
7
H
16
 has nine. As 
many as 75 isomers are possible for C
10
H
22
.
 In structures II, IV and V, you observed 
that –CH
3
 group is attached to carbon atom 
numbered as 2. You will come across groups 
like –CH
3
, –C
2
H
5
, –C
3
H
7
 etc. attached to 
carbon atoms in alkanes or other classes of 
compounds.  These groups or substituents 
are known as alkyl groups as they are derived 
from alkanes by removal of one hydrogen 
atom. General formula for alkyl groups is 
C
n
H
2n+1 
(Unit 8). 
 Let us recall the general rules for 
nomenclature already discussed in Unit 8. 
Nomenclature of substituted alkanes can 
further be understood by considering the 
following problem:
Problem 9.2
Write structures of different isomeric alkyl groups corresponding to the molecular formula 
C
5
H
11
. Write IUPAC names of alcohols obtained by attachment of  –OH groups at different 
carbons of the chain.
Solution
Structures of – C
5
H
11
 group Corresponding alcohols Name of alcohol
 (i) CH
3
 – CH
2
 – CH
2
 – CH
2
– CH
2 
–
 
   CH
3
 – CH
2
 – CH
2
 – CH
2
– CH
2 
– OH Pentan-1-ol
(ii) CH
3
 – CH – CH
2
 – CH
2
 – CH
3
 CH
3
 – CH – CH
2
 – CH
2
– CH
3 
Pentan-2-ol
 | |
  OH
(iii) CH
3
 – CH
2
 – CH – CH
2 
– CH
3 
CH
3
 – CH
2
 – CH – CH
2
– CH
3 
Pentan-3-ol
            |  |
   OH
 CH
3 
 CH
3 
3-Methyl- 
 |  | butan-1-ol
(iv) CH
3
 – CH – CH
2
 – CH
2 
–
 
CH
3
 – CH – CH
2
 – CH
2
– OH
  CH
3 
 CH
3               
2-Methyl- 
  |  | butan-1-ol
(v) CH
3
 – CH
2
 – CH – CH
2 
–
 
CH
3
 – CH
2
 – CH – CH
2
– OH
    CH
3 
CH
3 
2-Methyl- 
 | | butan-2-ol
(vi) CH
3
 – C – CH
2
 – CH
3 
CH
3
 – C – CH
2
 – CH
3
 
|  |
   OH
 CH
3 
 CH
3 
2,2- Dimethyl- 
 |  | propan-1-ol
(vii) CH
3
 – C – CH
2
 –
 
CH
3
 – C – CH
2
OH
                 |  |
   CH
3 
  CH
3
 CH
3 
 CH
3 
  OH 3-Methyl- 
           |       |         | |       butan-2-ol 
(viii) CH
3
 – CH – CH –CH
3 
CH
3
 – CH – CH –CH
3
       
Unit 9.indd   298 11/10/2022   15:24:36
Rationalised 2023-24
Page 5


295 Hydrocarbons
Unit 9
After studying this unit, you will be 
able to 
• name hydrocarbons according to 
IUPAC system of nomenclature; 
• recognise and write structures  
of isomers of alkanes, 
alkenes, alkynes and aromatic 
hydrocarbons;
• learn about various methods of 
preparation of hydrocarbons;
• distinguish between alkanes, 
alkenes, alkynes and aromatic 
hydrocarbons on the basis of 
physical and chemical properties;
• draw and differentiate between 
various conformations of ethane;
• appreciate the role of 
hydrocarbons as sources of  
energy and for other industrial 
applications;
• predict the formation of 
the addition products of 
unsymmetrical alkenes and 
alkynes on the basis of electronic 
mechanism;
• comprehend the structure of 
benzene, explain aromaticity  
and understand mechanism  
of electrophilic substitution 
reactions of benzene; 
• predict the directive influence of 
substituents in monosubstituted 
benzene ring;
• learn about carcinogenicity and 
toxicity.
Hydrocarbons
The term ‘hydrocarbon’ is self-explanatory which means 
compounds of carbon and hydrogen only. Hydrocarbons 
play a key role in our daily life. You must be familiar 
with the terms ‘LPG’ and ‘CNG’ used as fuels. LPG is the 
abbreviated form of liquified petroleum gas whereas CNG 
stands for compressed natural gas. Another term ‘LNG’ 
(liquified natural gas) is also in news these days. This is 
also a fuel and is obtained by liquifaction of natural gas. 
Petrol, diesel and kerosene oil are obtained by the fractional 
distillation of petroleum found under the earth’s crust.  
Coal gas is obtained by the destructive distillation of 
coal. Natural gas is found in upper strata during drilling 
of oil wells. The gas after compression is known as 
compressed natural gas. LPG is used as a domestic fuel 
with the least pollution. Kerosene oil is also used as a 
domestic fuel but it causes some pollution. Automobiles 
need fuels like petrol, diesel and CNG. Petrol and CNG 
operated automobiles cause less pollution. All these fuels 
contain mixture of hydrocarbons, which are sources of 
energy. Hydrocarbons are also used for the manufacture 
of polymers like polythene, polypropene, polystyrene etc. 
Higher hydrocarbons are used as solvents for paints. They 
are also used as the starting materials for manufacture 
of many dyes and drugs. Thus, you can well understand 
the importance of hydrocarbons in your daily life. In this 
unit, you will learn more about hydrocarbons.
9.1 cLassi Fication
Hydrocarbons are of different types. Depending upon 
the types of carbon-carbon bonds present, they can 
be classified into three main categories – (i) saturated  
Hydrocarbons are the important sources of energy.
Unit 9.indd   295 10/10/2022   10:37:52 AM
Rationalised 2023-24
296 chemistry (ii) unsaturated and (iii) aromatic 
hydrocarbons. Saturated hydrocarbons 
contain carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen 
single bonds. If different carbon atoms are 
joined together to form open chain of carbon 
atoms with single bonds, they are termed 
as alkanes as you have already studied in  
Unit 8. On the other hand, if carbon atoms 
form a closed chain or a ring, they are termed 
as cycloalkanes. Unsaturated hydrocarbons 
contain carbon-carbon multiple bonds – 
double bonds, triple bonds or both. Aromatic 
hydrocarbons are a special type of cyclic 
compounds. You can construct a large 
number of models of such molecules of both 
types (open chain and close chain) keeping 
in mind that carbon is tetravalent and 
hydrogen is monovalent. For making models 
of alkanes, you can use toothpicks for bonds 
and plasticine balls for atoms. For alkenes, 
alkynes and aromatic hydrocarbons, spring 
models can be constructed.
9.2  ALKANES 
As already mentioned, alkanes are saturated 
open chain hydrocarbons containing  
carbon - carbon single bonds. Methane (CH
4
) 
is the first member of this family. Methane is 
a gas found in coal mines and marshy places. 
If you replace one hydrogen atom of methane 
by carbon and join the required number of 
hydrogens to satisfy the tetravalence of the 
other carbon atom, what do you get? You 
get C
2
H
6
. This hydrocarbon with molecular 
formula C
2
H
6
 is known as ethane. Thus you 
can consider C
2
H
6
 as derived from CH
4
 by 
replacing one hydrogen atom by -CH
3
 group. 
Go on constructing alkanes by doing this 
theoretical exercise i.e., replacing hydrogen 
atom by –CH
3
 group. The next molecules will 
be C
3
H
8
, C
4
H
10 
… 
of the general formula for alkane family 
or homologous series? If we examine the 
formula of different alkanes we find that 
the general formula for alkanes is C
n
H
2n+2
. It 
represents any particular homologue when n 
is given appropriate value. Can you recall the 
structure of methane? According to VSEPR 
theory (Unit 4), methane has a tetrahedral 
structure (Fig. 9.1), in which carbon atom lies 
at the centre and the four hydrogen atoms lie 
at the four corners of a regular tetrahedron.  
All H-C-H  bond angles are of 109.5°. 
In alkanes, tetrahedra are joined together 
in which C-C and C-H bond lengths are  
154 pm and 112 pm respectively (Unit 8). 
You have already read that C–C and C–H s 
bonds are formed by head-on overlapping of 
sp
3
 hybrid orbitals of carbon and 1s orbitals 
of hydrogen atoms.
9.2.1 Nomenclature and Isomerism 
You have already read about nomenclature 
of different classes of organic compounds 
in Unit 8. Nomenclature and isomerism 
in alkanes can further be understood with 
the help of a few more examples. Common 
names are given in parenthesis. First three 
alkanes – methane, ethane and propane have 
only one structure but higher alkanes can 
have more than one structure. Let us write 
structures for C
4
H
10
. Four carbon atoms of 
C
4
H
10 
can be joined either in a continuous 
chain or with a branched chain in the 
following two ways :
Fig. 9.1  Structure of methane
   Butane (n- butane), (b.p. 273 K)
I
 H H H  
   
H—C—H 
replace any H by - CH
3
 H—C—C—H or C
2
H
6
   
 H H H 
 These hydrocarbons are inert under 
normal conditions as they do not react with 
acids, bases and other reagents. Hence, 
they were earlier known as paraffins (latin : 
parum, little; affinis, affinity). Can you think 
Unit 9.indd   296 11/10/2022   15:24:01
Rationalised 2023-24
297 Hydrocarbons
 In how many ways, you can join five 
carbon atoms and twelve hydrogen atoms of 
C
5
H
12
? They can be arranged in three ways 
as shown in structures III–V
isomers. It is also clear that structures I and 
III have continuous chain of carbon atoms 
but structures II, IV and V have a branched 
chain. Such structural isomers which differ 
in chain of carbon atoms are known as chain 
isomers. Thus, you have seen that C
4
H
10
 
and C
5
H
12
 have two and three chain isomers 
respectively.
Problem 9.1
Write structures of different chain 
isomers of alkanes corresponding to the 
molecular formula C
6
H
14
. Also write their 
IUPAC names.
solution
(i) CH
3
 – CH
2
 – CH
2
 – CH
2
– CH
2
– CH
3
n-Hexane
2-Methylpentane
3-Methylpentane
2,3-Dimethylbutane
 2,2 - Dimethylbutane
 Based upon the number of carbon atoms 
attached to a carbon atom, the carbon atom is 
termed as primary (1°), secondary (2°), tertiary 
(3°) or quaternary (4°). Carbon atom attached 
to no other carbon atom as in methane or to 
only one carbon atom as in ethane is called 
primary carbon atom. Terminal carbon 
atoms are always primary. Carbon atom 
attached to two carbon atoms is known as 
secondary. Tertiary carbon is attached to 
three carbon atoms and neo or quaternary 
carbon is attached to four carbon atoms. Can 
you identify 1°, 2°, 3° and 4° carbon atoms in 
II
2-Methylpropane (isobutane) 
 (b.p.261 K)
Structures I and II possess same molecular 
formula but differ in their boiling points and 
other properties. Similarly structures III, IV 
and V possess the same molecular formula 
but have different properties. Structures I and 
II are isomers of butane, whereas structures 
III, IV and V are isomers of pentane. Since 
difference in properties is due to difference in 
their structures, they are known as structural 
III
Pentane (n-pentane)
(b.p. 309 K)
 2-Methylbutane (isopentane) 
(b.p. 301 K)
IV
2,2-Dimethylpropane (neopentane) 
(b.p. 282.5 K)
V
Unit 9.indd   297 10/10/2022   10:37:53 AM
Rationalised 2023-24
298 chemistry structures I to V ? If you go on constructing 
structures for higher alkanes, you will be 
getting still larger number of isomers. C
6
H
14
 
has got five isomers and C
7
H
16
 has nine. As 
many as 75 isomers are possible for C
10
H
22
.
 In structures II, IV and V, you observed 
that –CH
3
 group is attached to carbon atom 
numbered as 2. You will come across groups 
like –CH
3
, –C
2
H
5
, –C
3
H
7
 etc. attached to 
carbon atoms in alkanes or other classes of 
compounds.  These groups or substituents 
are known as alkyl groups as they are derived 
from alkanes by removal of one hydrogen 
atom. General formula for alkyl groups is 
C
n
H
2n+1 
(Unit 8). 
 Let us recall the general rules for 
nomenclature already discussed in Unit 8. 
Nomenclature of substituted alkanes can 
further be understood by considering the 
following problem:
Problem 9.2
Write structures of different isomeric alkyl groups corresponding to the molecular formula 
C
5
H
11
. Write IUPAC names of alcohols obtained by attachment of  –OH groups at different 
carbons of the chain.
Solution
Structures of – C
5
H
11
 group Corresponding alcohols Name of alcohol
 (i) CH
3
 – CH
2
 – CH
2
 – CH
2
– CH
2 
–
 
   CH
3
 – CH
2
 – CH
2
 – CH
2
– CH
2 
– OH Pentan-1-ol
(ii) CH
3
 – CH – CH
2
 – CH
2
 – CH
3
 CH
3
 – CH – CH
2
 – CH
2
– CH
3 
Pentan-2-ol
 | |
  OH
(iii) CH
3
 – CH
2
 – CH – CH
2 
– CH
3 
CH
3
 – CH
2
 – CH – CH
2
– CH
3 
Pentan-3-ol
            |  |
   OH
 CH
3 
 CH
3 
3-Methyl- 
 |  | butan-1-ol
(iv) CH
3
 – CH – CH
2
 – CH
2 
–
 
CH
3
 – CH – CH
2
 – CH
2
– OH
  CH
3 
 CH
3               
2-Methyl- 
  |  | butan-1-ol
(v) CH
3
 – CH
2
 – CH – CH
2 
–
 
CH
3
 – CH
2
 – CH – CH
2
– OH
    CH
3 
CH
3 
2-Methyl- 
 | | butan-2-ol
(vi) CH
3
 – C – CH
2
 – CH
3 
CH
3
 – C – CH
2
 – CH
3
 
|  |
   OH
 CH
3 
 CH
3 
2,2- Dimethyl- 
 |  | propan-1-ol
(vii) CH
3
 – C – CH
2
 –
 
CH
3
 – C – CH
2
OH
                 |  |
   CH
3 
  CH
3
 CH
3 
 CH
3 
  OH 3-Methyl- 
           |       |         | |       butan-2-ol 
(viii) CH
3
 – CH – CH –CH
3 
CH
3
 – CH – CH –CH
3
       
Unit 9.indd   298 11/10/2022   15:24:36
Rationalised 2023-24
299 Hydrocarbons
r emarks
Lowest sum and
alphabetical 
arrangement
Lowest sum and 
alphabetical
arrangement
sec is not considered
while arranging
alphabetically; 
isopropyl is taken 
as one word
Further numbering 
to the substituents
of the side chain
Alphabetical 
priority order
t able 9.1  nomenclature of a Few o rganic compounds
important to write the correct structure 
from the given IUPAC name. To do this, first 
of all, the longest chain of carbon atoms 
corresponding to the parent alkane is written. 
Then after numbering it, the substituents are 
attached to the correct carbon atoms and 
finally valence of each carbon atom is satisfied 
by putting the correct number of hydrogen 
atoms. This can be clarified by writing the 
structure of 3-ethyl-2, 2–dimethylpentane in 
the following steps :
i) Draw the chain of five carbon atoms:  
C – C – C – C – C
ii) Give number to carbon atoms:  
C
1
– C
2
– C
3
– C
4
– C
5
structure and iUPac name 
   
(a) 
1
CH
3
–
2
CH – 
3
CH
2
 – 
4
CH – 
5
CH
2
 – 
6
CH
3 
     
 (4 – Ethyl – 2 – methylhexane) 
          
             
(b)  
 8
CH
3 
–
 7
CH
2 
–
 6
CH
2 
–
 5
CH –
 4
CH –
    3
C   –
 2
CH
2 
–
 1
CH
3 
   
     
  
 (3,3-Diethyl-5-isopropyl-4-methyloctane) 
   
 
(c) 
1
CH
3
–
2
CH
2
–
3
CH
2
–
4
CH–
5
CH–
6
CH
2
–
7
CH
2
–
8
CH
2
–
9
CH
2
–
10
CH
3      
 
 5-sec– Butyl-4-isopropyldecane
(d) 
1
CH
3
–
2
CH
2
–
3
CH
2
–
4
CH
2
–
5
CH–
6
CH
2
–
7
CH
2
–
8
CH
2
–
9
CH
3
 
 5-(2,2– Dimethylpropyl)nonane
(e) 
1
CH
3 
–
 2
CH
2 
–
 3
CH –
 4
CH
2 
–
 5
CH –
 6
CH
2 
–
 7
CH
3   
  
 3–Ethyl–5–methylheptane
Problem 9.3
Write IUPAC names of the following 
compounds :
(i) (CH
3
)
3
 C CH
2
C(CH
3
)
3 
(ii) (CH
3
)
2
 C(C
2
H
5
)
2
(iii) tetra – tert-butylmethane
solution
(i) 2, 2, 4, 4-Tetramethylpentane 
(ii) 3, 3-Dimethylpentane
(iii) 3,3-Di-tert-butyl -2, 2, 4, 4 -  
 tetramethylpentane
 If it is important to write the correct 
IUPAC name for a given structure, it is equally 
Unit 9.indd   299 10/10/2022   10:37:53 AM
Rationalised 2023-24
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FAQs on NCERT Textbook: Hydrocarbons - Chemistry Class 11 - NEET

1. What are hydrocarbons?
Ans. Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that consist of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They are formed mainly from fossil fuels and are the basis for the production of various fuels and chemicals.
2. What are the different types of hydrocarbons?
Ans. Hydrocarbons can be classified into two main types: aliphatic hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons. Aliphatic hydrocarbons include alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes, while aromatic hydrocarbons include benzene and its derivatives.
3. How are hydrocarbons used in daily life?
Ans. Hydrocarbons play a significant role in our daily lives as they are used as fuels for transportation, heating, and cooking. They are also used in the production of plastics, synthetic fibers, pharmaceuticals, and various other chemicals.
4. What are the environmental impacts of hydrocarbons?
Ans. The combustion of hydrocarbons releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Hydrocarbon spills can also contaminate water and soil, causing harm to ecosystems and human health. Additionally, the extraction and production of hydrocarbons can lead to habitat destruction and air pollution.
5. How can hydrocarbons be converted into useful products?
Ans. Hydrocarbons can be converted into useful products through various processes such as cracking, reforming, and polymerization. Cracking breaks down larger hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones, while reforming rearranges the structure of hydrocarbons to produce desired products. Polymerization combines small hydrocarbon molecules to form polymers, which are used in the production of plastics and synthetic materials.
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