Page 29 - Curriculum Visions Dynamic Book

Unsaturated hydrocarbons
Carbon atoms may be joined together with a double bond as in ethene or by a triple bond such as acetylene (whose modern name is ethyne). Acetylene can be used in cutting and welding flames; it requires an oxygen supply if it is to combust completely to form carbon dioxide and water.
polymerisation: a chemical reaction
in which large numbers of similar molecules arrange themselves into large molecules, usually long chains. This process usually happens when there is
a suitable catalyst present. For example, ethene reacts to form polythene in the presence of certain catalysts.
 This represents a molecule of ethene.
Solvents, fats and flavours (esters)
Other groups of atoms found in organic compounds include the “ester” groups, for example ethyl ethanoate (also known as ethyl acetate), which makes nail-varnish remover.
Simple esters are flavouring essences and solvents. Those with a greater number of carbon and hydrogen atoms are cooking oils and fats.
 This represents a molecule of ethyl ethanoate, nail-varnish remover.
 Nail varnish can be removed using a solvent, nail-varnish remover, made from ethyl ethanoate.
Also...
Hydrocarbons: the foundation of organic chemistry
The major branch of chemistry that deals with hydrocarbons is often called organic chemistry. This is a historical name, from the mistaken belief that such compounds could only be made by living organisms. Today most of the compounds are made from petroleum in the laboratory or in a petrochemicals plant.
 Two oxygen atoms are also present in organic acids such as acetic acid (best known as vinegar).
 This represents a molecule of ethyne.
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