Step 1: Understanding hydrocarbons.
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting solely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They are classified into four main types based on their structure and bonding.
Step 2: Types of hydrocarbons.
The four types of hydrocarbons are:
Alkanes: Saturated hydrocarbons containing only single bonds between carbon atoms. Example: Methane (\(CH_4\)).
Alkenes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons containing at least one double bond between carbon atoms. Example: Ethene (\(C_2H_4\)).
Alkynes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons containing at least one triple bond between carbon atoms. Example: Ethyne (\(C_2H_2\)).
Aromatic hydrocarbons: Cyclic compounds containing conjugated \(\pi\)-electron systems, typically with alternating single and double bonds. Example: Benzene (\(C_6H_6\)).
Conclusion:
The 4 types of hydrocarbons are alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic hydrocarbons.