Hydrocarbons Explained: From Gasoline to Plastic

Hydrocarbons are molecules made only of carbon and hydrogen—the simplest organic compounds.
They fuel our world, powering cars, planes, and homes through gasoline, diesel, and natural gas.
Chains, branches, and rings of carbon give hydrocarbons endless structural possibilities.
Alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes differ by single, double, and triple bonds.
Crude oil is a natural hydrocarbon mix, refined into fuels and everyday products.
Plastics, from water bottles to packaging, are built from hydrocarbon building blocks.
Hydrocarbons store huge amounts of chemical energy in their bonds, released when burned.
Natural gas, mainly methane, is the simplest hydrocarbon and a key energy source.
Hydrocarbon chemistry underpins synthetic fibers, rubbers, and countless consumer goods.
From powering engines to shaping materials, hydrocarbons drive both modern life and industry.