What are oxygenated hydrocarbons?

Oxygenated hydrocarbons are specifically defined as hydrocarbon compounds that contain at least one oxygen atom in their molecular structure. This inclusion of oxygen can affect the chemical behavior and properties of the hydrocarbons, such as their reactivity, solubility, and toxicity. Common examples of oxygenated hydrocarbons include alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids, each of which incorporates oxygen alongside carbon and hydrogen.

Understanding oxygenated hydrocarbons is significant in environmental science, organic chemistry, and public health, especially regarding their formation, usage, and the implications for air and water quality. The other options do not accurately describe oxygenated hydrocarbons, as they either misstate the foundational definition or limit the range of states these compounds can exist in.