They are all those compounds that result from the combination of the chemical elements carbon and hydrogen. Hydrocarbons arise in nature and therefore are the main compounds of organic chemistry, being their maximum representatives oil (hydrocarbon in liquid state) and natural gas (hydrocarbon in gaseous state).
These compounds are produced over millions of years deep in the earth and are from the decomposition of plants and animals from ancient times.
Hydrocarbons are made up of carbon atoms that interlock with hydrogen atoms and are divided into two large groups: aliphatic (alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes) and aromatic.
The alkanes are those with single bonds, double bonds have alkenes and alkynes are those with triple bonds.
On the other hand, hydrocarbons can go outside (from inside the earth) naturally or through the exploitation or drilling of their deposits.
Over the years and with the emergence of the industrial revolution, hydrocarbons became very important for economic development, since once processed, they can give rise to a large number of products that are used in everyday life.
For example, they can be transformed into fuels to generate energy and / or have an industrial use, for the manufacture of various products such as asphalt, plastics, cosmetics, vehicle lubricants, among others. Even gas in its natural form is used in the daily life of human beings, for the use of kitchens and thus preparing food.
But, despite the fact that hydrocarbons are presented as very positive, they also have negative effects on the environment and humans. They can cause respiratory diseases, leading to serious poisoning. In addition, in the case of oil, if it is spilled by maritime transport or when it is exploited, when it comes into contact with water, it causes contamination.
On other planets such as Jupiter, Saturn, Titan and Neptune, hydrocarbons have been found that have arisen without the need for life to generate them. These are partially composed of methane or ethane.
