Hydrocarbons
The branch of chemistry which
deals with the carbon and hydrogen derivatives is
called hydrocarbons.
They
can be classified into two broad categories:
Aliphatic:
These are open-chain molecules, meaning the
carbon atoms are arranged in straight or branched chains. They do not contain
aromatic rings.
Aromatic: These hydrocarbons have at least one benzene ring (a ring of six carbon atoms with alternating double and single bonds). Benzene rings provide special stability due to the delocalization of electrons.
