What are the properties of long-chain hydrocarbons?

Long-chain hydrocarbons are non-polar, have high boiling points, and are less volatile and less flammable than short-chain hydrocarbons.

Long-chain hydrocarbons are a type of hydrocarbon where the carbon atoms are linked together in a chain of eight or more. These hydrocarbons are non-polar, meaning they do not have a positive or negative end, and therefore, they do not mix well with polar substances like water. This property is often referred to as being hydrophobic.

One of the key characteristics of long-chain hydrocarbons is their high boiling points. The boiling point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a gas. The longer the chain of carbon atoms, the higher the boiling point. This is because there are more points of contact between the molecules, leading to stronger intermolecular forces that require more energy (in the form of heat) to break.

Long-chain hydrocarbons are also less volatile than their short-chain counterparts. Volatility refers to how easily a substance can evaporate, or change from a liquid to a gas. Because long-chain hydrocarbons have higher boiling points, they are less likely to evaporate and therefore less volatile.

Finally, long-chain hydrocarbons are less flammable than short-chain hydrocarbons. Flammability is the ability of a substance to burn or ignite, causing fire or combustion. The lower volatility of long-chain hydrocarbons means they are less likely to catch fire. This property makes them safer to handle and use in various applications, but it also means they are less useful as fuels, as they do not burn as readily.