Table II ie. You can calculate the number of H atoms in the simple alkanes. The simple hydrocarbons are fairly common. Methane, for example, is released by decaying organic matter and is the main compound in natural gas. These chemicals are generally gases or liquids in nature and are very flammable.
Butane is used in cigarette lighters.
Ethyne, also known as acetylene, is used in welding. In addition to carbon and hydrogen, hydrocarbons can also contain other elements. The simple hydrocarbons are the building blocks of more complex molecules that make up living organisms. In the next lesson, we will introduce some of these molecules and their biochemistry, the chemistry of life. There are several good sites on the Web for exploring organic chemistry in further detail.