![]() H-statements |
![]() Glossary Index |
![]() Hygroscopic |
MSDS Topics |
Free Sites | FAQ's | Regulations | Glossary | Software | Suppliers |
Books | Forum | Poll | Fun stuff | Quiz | Store | |
Understand your MSDS with the MS-Demystifier | Search ALL our MSDS info |
Hydrocarbon |
Many oils, fats, waxes, solvents and paraffin are either hydrocarbons or contain large hydrocarbon sub-units.
Note: The terms "saturated" and "unsaturated" also refer to the concentration of solutions. These have a much different meaning and context. |
Hydrocarbon fires require a Class B extinguishing agent. Purple-K is one of the best such agents for Class BC fires. Get your PK-extinguishers or bulk powder from Safety Emporium.
An unsaturated hydrocarbon (or other organic molecule) contains double or triple bonds between certain atoms. These bonds may be broken and new atoms attached without disrupting the existing skeleton of the hydrocarbon.
If a molecule contains a saturated hydrocarbon sub-unit, this sub-unit is called an alkyl group. If the sub-unit is an aromatic group this sub-unit is called an aryl group.
For carbon, the maximum (and ideal) number of bonds is four. Let's look at an example. trans-3-hexene is unsaturated because the atoms shown in red have two bonds connecting them and are bound to only three different atoms. If we chemically add hydrogen atoms to the red carbons, this reduces the carbon-carbon double bond to a single bond and gives the red carbons four single bonds to other atoms. The resulting molecule, n-hexane, is saturated because we can not add any more atoms to it without removing bonds to existing atoms.
You may have heard the terms monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated in reference to fats and oils. Saturated fats (no double bonds) contain long hydrocarbon sub-units (alkyl groups). Examples are coconut oil and lard, which have a tendency to clog your arteries because of their chemical and physical properties. Unsaturated fats, those with one (mono) or many (poly) double bonds, are less likely to form artery-clogging plaques.
These molecules have the same chemical formula (C5H12), but a different arrangement in each case, so we call them isomers. These isomers of pentane have different chemical reactivity and properties because of their different molecular arrangements. For example n-hexane is a neurotoxin while neohexane is not.
Posters for the safe handling of flammable and combustible liquids are available at Safety Emporium.
Hydrocarbons and their chemical derivatives are often quite flammable. Many of these are toxic or present other health hazards. If possible, susbstitute a less hazardous solvent.
Always wear proper gloves and eye protection when working with hydrocarbons or organic chemicals. Be sure to wear an appropriate respirator if ventilation is not adequate, and be careful to avoid ignition sources as the vapors can easily reach their flammable limit. When dispensing bulk quantities of flammable liquids, proper bonding and grounding procedures must be followed to avoid the formation of static electricity which could ignite the vapors.
Entry last updated: Monday, August 22, 2016. This page is copyright 2000-2019 by ILPI. Unauthorized duplication or posting on other web sites is expressly prohibited. Send suggestions, comments, and new entry desires (include the URL if applicable) to us by email.
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.