Hydrocarbon is a broad term that refers to organic compounds made up of hydrogen (H) and carbon (C) atoms. Hydrocarbons are the fundamental building blocks of many organic compounds and are the primary components of fossil fuels like gasoline, natural gas, and crude oil. Here are some key points about hydrocarbons:

1. Chemical Composition: Hydrocarbons consist only of hydrogen and carbon atoms. Depending on the arrangement of these atoms, they can form a wide variety of hydrocarbon molecules, from simple ones like methane (CH4) to complex structures found in large organic molecules.
2. Classification: Hydrocarbons are classified into two main categories:
   • Saturated Hydrocarbons: These contain only single carbon-carbon (C-C) bonds and are known as alkanes. They are often referred to as “saturated” because they are fully saturated with hydrogen atoms.
   • Unsaturated Hydrocarbons: These contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond (C=C) or triple bond (C≡C). Alkenes and alkynes are common examples of unsaturated hydrocarbons.
3. Common Uses:
   • Energy Sources: Hydrocarbons are the primary constituents of fossil fuels like petroleum, natural gas, and coal, which are used to generate energy and fuel transportation.
   • Chemical Feedstocks: Hydrocarbons serve as essential raw materials in the production of various chemicals, plastics, and synthetic materials.
   • Industrial and Household Products: They are used in the manufacturing of a wide range of products, from plastics and rubber to detergents and solvents.
4. Environmental Impact: The combustion of hydrocarbons for energy production and transportation is a major source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.

Hydrocarbons are fundamental to many aspects of modern life, serving as the basis for fuels, chemicals, and various industrial processes. Their environmental impact has led to ongoing efforts to develop cleaner and more sustainable energy sources and reduce emissions associated with their use.