Reactivities of Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. Their reactivity depends on their structure. Alkanes (single bonds) are generally less reactive, while alkenes (double bonds) and alkynes (triple bonds) are more reactive due to the presence of double or triple bonds, which are more likely to participate in chemical reactions. This reactivity makes alkenes and alkynes useful in making various chemicals and materials. In essence, the more "unstable" the structure (like double or triple bonds), the more reactive it is, leading to diverse chemical behaviors and applications in everyday life.