Carbon Chemistry: Hydrocarbons in Crude Oil

Fundamental understanding: Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that consist of only hydrogen and carbon atoms. The simplest hydrocarbon is methane, with one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.
Crude oil: This is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals.
Categories of Hydrocarbons: Hydrocarbons in crude oil are classified into four main categories: alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic hydrocarbons.
Alkanes: These are saturated hydrocarbons, meaning they have single bonds between carbon atoms and their general formula is CnH2n+2.
Alkenes: This group of hydrocarbons contains double bonds and their general formula is CnH2n.
Alkynes: These are characterised by triple bonds between carbon atoms and their general formula is CnH2n-2.
Aromatic hydrocarbons: These contain at least one benzene ring, which is a hexagonal ring of six carbon atoms with alternating single and double bonds.
Fractional Distillation: The differing boiling points of hydrocarbons in crude oil allows them to be separated via this method.
Implications of cracking: Larger hydrocarbon molecules can be broken down into smaller, more useful ones. Cracking can produce gases, petrol, and other materials used in chemical manufacture.
Environmental impact: The combustion of hydrocarbons in crude oil releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
Carbon neutral: Biofuels are considered carbon-neutral as the carbon dioxide they release when burnt is absorbed by the crops grown to produce them.
Future sources: Renewable sources such as biofuels and hydrogen gas are potential replacements for fossil fuels but they bring their own challenges in storage and distribution.
Importance of Sustainable Action: The use of hydrocarbons contributes to climate change and causes air pollution. Sustainable alternatives need to be employed to reduce carbon emissions and minimise damage to the Earth.
Fossil Fuels vs Renewable Energy: An understanding of the pros and cons of fossil fuels and renewable energy resources contributes to a more sustainable approach to Earth’s energy needs.