What is meant by hydrocarbons ? Explain its classification in detail.

Hydrocarbons: These are the category of compounds in chemistry which contains only carbon and hydrogen as elements in their molecular formula and structure.

These are classified on the basis of number of covalent bonds between carbon carbon atoms as: -

a. Saturated hydrocarbon:

In this all the four valences if carbon are completed by covalent single bond with other atoms.

b. Unsaturated hydrocarbon:

In this the two carbon atoms are combined by double or triple bond.