Chemistry – Organic chemistry - Fuels | e-Consult

A test for hydrocarbons involves burning a small amount of the sample in a test tube. The reagents required are a Bunsen burner and the sample itself. The expected observation is the production of a flame. Hydrocarbons are highly flammable and will readily ignite in the presence of oxygen. The flame will typically be pale blue, indicating complete combustion, although the colour can vary depending on the specific hydrocarbon.