Hydrocarbons — properties & hazards overview
Boiling point (examples)
−161 °C (CH₄) → 110 °C (xylene) → 174 °C (decane)
Flash point
Very low (often < 0 °C) for light fractions; higher for heavy
Explosion limits (air)
~1–7 vol% LEL; UEL commonly 5–36 vol% (compound-dependent)
Water solubility
Very low (BTEX slightly soluble)
Toxicity
CNS depressant
Flammability
wide LEL–UEL
Chronic risk
some aromatics
Environmental
VOC/ozone
| Property | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Representative examples | Methane, propane, hexane, heptane, toluene, xylene, ethylene, propylene |
| Physical state | Gases (C₁–C₄), volatile liquids (C₅–C₁₀), oils (heavier) |
| Vapour density | Heavier than air (most) → accumulation in low areas |
| Odour | Petroleum/solvent-like; benzene sweetish; toluene/xylene aromatic |
| Solubility | Low in water; good in non-polar solvents; BTEX: slight water solubility |
| Typical sources | Petrochemical, coatings, printing, fuel handling, degreasing, tank vents |
*Values are indicative for the class. Verify specific compound data via current SDS/regulations.