Chemistry · Aromatic hydrocarbons: Nomenclature, benzene - structure and aromaticity, mechanism of electrophilic substitution, halogenation, nitration

Which group of hydrocarbon is most toxic?

Which group of hydrocarbon is most toxic?

  • A. Saturated hydrocarbon
  • B. Long chain hydrocarbon
  • C. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
  • D. Unsaturated hydrocarbon

Step-by-step solution

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known to be highly toxic and carcinogenic due to their planar structure and ability to intercalate with DNA, causing mutations. In contrast, saturated hydrocarbons, long chain hydrocarbons, and unsaturated hydrocarbons are generally less toxic. PAHs are a class of aromatic hydrocarbons, which are covered in the hydrocarbon unit.
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