Get CBSE Notes for Class 10 Science – 4. Carbon and its Compounds: Hydrocarbons. Clear, exam-focused notes with key concepts, formulas & solved examples.
CBSE Notes for Class 10 Science chapter 4. Carbon and its Compounds: Hydrocarbons, quick revision notes for Class 10 Science chapter 4. Carbon and its Compounds Hydrocarbons, Chapter-wise CBSE Revision Notes, CBSE Notes PDF Free Download, CBSE One Liner Notes Class 10, Half Yearly Revision Notes, CBSE Revision Notes Class 10 Science
Get CBSE Notes for Class 10 Science Chapter 4. Carbon and its Compounds: Hydrocarbons prepared by experts as per the latest NCERT syllabus and CBSE exam pattern. These concise and easy-to-understand notes cover important definitions, formulas, diagrams, and key concepts from the chapter to help students in quick revision and effective exam preparation. Whether you are studying for school tests, board exams, or competitive exams, these notes provide a reliable study resource. Designed in simple language with point-wise explanations, they save time and enhance learning efficiency. Download free PDF notes, explore solved examples, and strengthen your understanding of [Topic Name] for scoring high marks. Perfect for Class 10 students who want clear, structured, and exam-oriented notes for CBSE Science.
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons: All carbon compounds which contain just carbon and hydrogen are called hydrocarbons.

Formulae of organic compounds:
(i) General formula: General formula represents a function for n numbers of each atom in a molecule.
Example: for alkane: CnH2n+2
(ii) Molecular formula: Molecular formula represents actual number of atoms of a molecule.
Example: For Ethane: C2H6
(iii) Condensed formula: Condensed formula represents group of atoms linked together to each carbon atom.
Example: For Ethane: CH3CH3
(iv) Structural formula: It represents exact arrangement of atom of a molecule.
Example: For Ethane:

(v) Electronic formula: Electronic formula represents the sharing of electrons amongs atoms of a molecules.
Example: For Ethane:

Saturated Carbon Compounds:
Compounds of carbon, which are linked by only single bonds between the carbon atoms are called saturated compounds.
Example: Alkanes like methane, Ethane, propane butane etc.
General formula for Alkanes: CnH2n+2
Using formula for Methane;
CnH2n+2
Putting n =1 we get
C1H2x1 + 2
CH4
Similarily;
For Ethane:
Putting n =2 we get
C2H2x2 + 2
C2H6
Similarily we can find molecular formula for propane, butane, pentane and so on .......
Alkanes: The saturated hydrocarbons in which carbon atom linked together with single bond are called alkenes.
| Name of Alkanes | Molecular Formula | Condensed structural Formula |
| Methane | CH4 | CH4 |
| Ethane | C2H6 | CH3CH3 |
| Propane | C3H8 | CH3CH2CH3 |
| Butane | C4H10 | CH3CH2CH2CH3 |
| Pentane | C5H12 | CH3CH2CH2CH2CH3 |
| Hexane | C6H14 | CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 |
| Heptane | C7H16 | CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 |
| Octane | C8H18 | CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 |
| Nonane | C9H20 | CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 |
| Decane | C10H22 | CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 |
Structure of Methane (single bond);

Single carbon atom has four unsatisfied valency Linked with Hydrogen atom like figure.


Electrone Dot strucuture of Methane
Structure of Ethane (single bond);
C - C [ carbon atoms linked together witha single bond]
Next Linked with Hydrogen atom to carbon unsatisfied valency like given figure;

Electron Dot structure of Ethane
Structure of propane (single bond);

Structure of Butane (single bond);

Structure of pentane (single bond);

Structure of hexane (single bond);

Unsaturated Carbon Compounds:
Compounds of carbon having double or triple bonds between their carbon atoms are called unsaturated compounds.
Example: Alkenes like and Alkynes;
Structure of alkenes (Double bond);
General Formula for Alkenes: CnH2n
The simplest Alkenes is Ethene;
So Ethene has 2 carbon atoms;
Now putting n = 2 in general formula;
C2H2x2 = C2H4
Propene has 3 carbon atoms;
Now putting n = 3 in general formula;
C3H2x3 = C3H6
Similarily we can find the molecular formula for other Alkenes like butene, pentene and hexene etc.
Alkenes: The unsaturated hydrocarbons which contain one or
more double bonds are called alkenes.
| Name of Alkenes | Molecular Formula | Condensed structural Formula |
| Ethene | C2H4 | CH2=CH2 |
| Propene | C3H6 | CH3CH=CH2 |
| Butene | C4H8 | CH3CH2CH=CH2 |
| Pentene | C5H10 | CH3CH2CH2CH=CH2 |
| Hexene | C6H12 | CH3CH2CH2CH2CH=CH2 |
| Heptene | C7H14 | CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH=CH2 |
| Octene | C8H16 | CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH=CH2 |
| Nonene | C9H18 | CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH=CH2 |
| Decene | C10H20 | CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH=CH2 |
Structural Formula of Alkene:
| Name of Alkenes | Molecular Formula | Structural Formula |
| Ethene | C2H4 | ![]() |
| Propene | C3H6 | ![]() |
| Butene | C4H8 | ![]() |
| Pentene | C5H10 | ![]() |
| Hexene | C6H12 | ![]() |
| Heptene | C7H14 | ![]() |
| Octene | C8H16 | ![]() |
| Nonene | C9H18 | ![]() |
| Decene | C10H20 | |
Electron Dot Sructure of Ethene:

Ethene (C2H4)
Electron Dot Sructure of Propene:

Prooene (C2H4)
Similarily We can draw electron dot structure of other Akenes;
Structure of Alkynes (Triple Bond):
General formula of Alkynes: CnH2n-2
The simplest alkynes is Ethyne;
Ethyne has two carbon atoms. Hence, Using the formula;
Putting n = 2 for Ethyne,
C2H2x2-2 = C2H2
∴ Ethyne = C2H2
Similarily we can find Propyne;
Putting n=3 for Propyne;
C3H2x3-2 = C3H4
∴ Propyne = C3H4
Alkynes:
| Name of Alkenes | Molecular Formula | Condensed structural Formula |
| Ethyne | C2H2 | CH≡CH |
| Propyne | C3H4 | CH≡CCH3 |
| 1-Butyne | C4H6 | CH≡CCH2CH3 |
| 1-Pentyne | C5H8 | CH≡CCH2CH2CH3 |
| 1-Hexyne | C6H10 | CH≡CCH2CH2CH2CH3 |
| 1-Heptyne | C7H12 | CH≡CCH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 |
| 1-Octyne | C8H14 | CH≡CCH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 |
| 1-Nonyne | C9H16 | CH≡CCH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 |
| 1-Decyne | C10H18 | CH≡CCH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 |
Long chain formula is abbreviated as bellow;
[Nonyne] CH≡CCH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 can be written as
CH≡C (CH2)6CH3
similarily;
[Decyne] CH≡CCH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 can be written as
CH≡C (CH2)7CH3
Defferences between saturated and unsaturated carbon compound:
| Saturated Compound | Unsaturated Compound |
|
1. It has single bond between carbon atoms. 2. There occurs substitution reaction in it. 3. Example: Alkanes. 4. They are less reactive than the unsaturated carbon compound. |
1. It has double and triple bond between carbon atoms. 2. There occurs addition reaction in it. 3. Example: Alkenes, Alkynes. 4. They are more reactive than the saturated carbon compounds. |
For students preparing for board exams or competitive assessments, CBSE notes have become an indispensable tool. These notes summarize the NCERT textbooks, highlighting key concepts, formulas, definitions, and diagrams in a concise and easy-to-understand format. Unlike lengthy textbooks, CBSE notes allow students to focus on the most important points, saving valuable time during revision.
In conclusion, CBSE notes are not just a revision tool—they are a strategy. When used correctly, they help students cover the syllabus efficiently, improve retention, and approach exams with confidence. For exam-going students, the combination of structured notes, practice, and consistent revision is the key to achieving top results.
Ace your exams with CBSE Notes for Class 10 Science chapter 4. Carbon and its Compounds: Hydrocarbons. These notes provide a clear explanation of important concepts, formulas, diagrams, and solved examples from the NCERT syllabus. Specially designed for Class 10 students, the notes are structured in a simple, point-wise manner to make revision quick and effective. Whether you are preparing for school tests, board exams, or competitive exams, these Science notes will boost your confidence and save valuable study time. You can also download Science class 10 chapter 4. Carbon and its Compounds free PDF notes for offline learning. With easy-to-grasp language, exam tips, and well-organized content, these CBSE Science notes on chapter 4. Carbon and its Compounds – Hydrocarbons are the perfect study companion for scoring high marks and mastering the subject.
CBSE class 10 Science notes are available completely free in PDF, and these all notes are quick revising materials that help you prepare for your upcoming board exams. Students can easily access CBSE notes pdf free download class 10 Science and get free CBSE notes class 10 Science notes designed strictly as per the latest NCERT syllabus. These Class 10 CBSE notes and Class 10 Science notes are short, simple, and to the point, making them perfect for last-minute revisions. You can also refer to NCERT book notes for class 10 that cover every chapter in an easy-to-understand manner. With these Quick revision notes Science class 10, you save time while covering all important formulas, definitions, and concepts.
Download worksheets and assignments for better practice and revision.