171-04 - Introduction to Hydrocarbon Chemistry

171-04 - Introduction to Hydrocarbon Chemistry

Learning objectives

  • Compare the definitions of petroleum and crude oil
  • Relate the physical states of hydrocarbons to their carbon content
  • Discuss how covalent bonds are formed between hydrogen and carbon
  • Explain the use of base names, prefixes, and suffixes to label hydrocarbons
  • Describe and compare the structures of the following hydrocarbon families: paraffins, napthenes, aromatics, olefins, and alkynes
  • Identify correlations between physical properties of a hydrocarbon and the hydrocarbon's molecular structure
  • List some contaminants commonly found in crude oil and discuss their adverse effects on oil refining

Course overview

The Introduction to Hydrocarbon Chemistry training course focuses on hydrocarbon chemistry basics. It examines properties associated with various hydrocarbon molecules found in petroleum products. This online training course discusses the molecular structure, physical properties, naming conventions, and commercial use of several common hydrocarbons. It focuses on:

  • Crude oil chemistry
  • Hydrocarbon covalent bonding
  • Hydrocarbon naming conventions
  • Hydrocarbon families: paraffins, napthenes, aromatics
  • Hydrocarbon families: olefins and alkynes
  • Physical properties and molecular structure
  • Crude oil contaminants

Introduction to Hydrocarbon Chemistry is part of the Industrial Sciences training series.


The individuals involved in the development and promotion of this course do not receive any compensation or financial benefits outside of their regular employment for their work on this course.


  • 60 minutes
  • Format: Online Interactive
  • English
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