Grade 12 Chemistry: Hydrocarbons Study
Guide
South African CAPS Physical Sciences
Hydrocarbons are one of the important topics in Grade 12 Organic Chemistry. This guide
covers definitions, functional groups, naming, structural formulae, reactions and exam
practice.
1. What are hydrocarbons?
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds made up of only two elements: carbon (C) and
hydrogen (H).
Examples:
Methane: \(CH_4\)
Ethane: \(C_2H_6\)
Ethene: \(C_2H_4\)
Ethyne: \(C_2H_2\)
2. Types of hydrocarbons
A. Alkanes
, Contain only single carbon–carbon bonds.
Called saturated hydrocarbons.
General formula: \(C_nH_{2n+2}\)
Example: propane, \(C_3H_8\).
Guide
South African CAPS Physical Sciences
Hydrocarbons are one of the important topics in Grade 12 Organic Chemistry. This guide
covers definitions, functional groups, naming, structural formulae, reactions and exam
practice.
1. What are hydrocarbons?
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds made up of only two elements: carbon (C) and
hydrogen (H).
Examples:
Methane: \(CH_4\)
Ethane: \(C_2H_6\)
Ethene: \(C_2H_4\)
Ethyne: \(C_2H_2\)
2. Types of hydrocarbons
A. Alkanes
, Contain only single carbon–carbon bonds.
Called saturated hydrocarbons.
General formula: \(C_nH_{2n+2}\)
Example: propane, \(C_3H_8\).
