Alkanes (Saturated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons)
Alkanes are saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons entirely linked by carbon-carbon single bonds. Common examples in daily life and industry include:
Methane (C<sub>H</sub>4CH<sub>X</sub>4): The main component of natural gas and biogas, commonly used as a gaseous fuel, and also a raw material for the synthesis of ammonia, methanol, and other chemical products.
Propane (C<sub>3</sub>H<sub>8</sub>CX<sub>3</sub>H<sub>X</sub>8): The main component of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), commonly used as a fuel and chemical raw material.
Butane (C<sub>4</sub>H<sub>10</sub>CX<sub>4</sub>H<sub>X</sub>10): The main component of lighter fluid and portable gas canisters.
n-Pentane, Isopentane, Neopentane: Belonging to the C5 low-carbon aliphatic hydrocarbon family, they are basic raw materials for petrochemicals.
Olefins (Unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons containing carbon-carbon double bonds)
Olefins contain carbon-carbon double bonds, are chemically reactive, and are important chemical raw materials. Common representatives include:
Ethylene (C₂H₄CX₂HX₄): A core product of petrochemicals, used as a plant growth regulator (fruit ripening agent), and also a raw material for the production of polyethylene plastics and ethanol.
Propylene (C₃H₆CX₃HX₆): A raw material for the production of polypropylene plastics and acrylonitrile, and a basic raw material for the three major synthetic materials.
1,3-Butadiene: A major monomer for synthetic rubber, used in the production of synthetic rubbers such as butadiene rubber.
Alkynes (unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons containing carbon-carbon triple bonds)
Alkynes contain carbon-carbon triple bonds. Common examples include:
Acetylene (HC≡CH): Commonly known as calcium carbide gas, it produces a high-temperature oxyacetylene flame exceeding 3000℃ when burned. It is commonly used for metal welding and cutting, and is also a raw material for the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics.
Propylene: Can be used in organic synthesis to produce acetone and other chemical products.