Alkanes vs. Alkenes vs. Alkynes

Alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes are all organic hydrocarbons. An organic molecule is one in which there is at least one atom of carbon, while a hydrocarbon is a molecule which only contain the atoms hydrogen and carbon.

Many of these molecules are used in the production of other materials, such as plastics, but their main use is as a fuel source. Hydrocarbons will burn in the presence of oxygen to produce energy, carbon dioxide and water. The energy emitted by this reaction is that stored in the carbon to hydrogen bonds.

While these hydrocarbons have many similarities, there are a few differences as well.