Carbon–hydrogen bond C−H bond is generally regarded as being non-polar. In structural formulas of molecules, the hydrogen atoms are often omitted. Compound classes consisting solely of C–H bonds and C–C bonds are alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Collectively they are known as hydrocarbons. In October 2016, astronomers reported that the very basic chemical ingredients of life—the carbon-hydrogen molecule (CH, or methylidyne radical), the carbon-hydrogen positive ion (CH+) and the carbon ion (C+)—are the result, in large part, of ultraviolet light from stars, rather than in other ways, such as the result of turbulent events related to supernovae and young stars, as
Carbon–hydrogen bond activation by a rhodium complex. In the case of alkanes, exclusive terminal functionalization was observed. Later, ruthenium catalysts were discovered to have higher activity and functional group compatibility. Other borylation catalysts have also been developed, including iridium-based catalysts, which successfully activate C-H bonds with high compatibility. For more information, consult borylation. No applications have been commercialized for homogeneously catalyzed C-H activations. Naturally occurring methane is not utilized as a chemical feedstock, despite its abundance and low cost. Current technology makes prodigious use of methane by steam reforming to produce syngas, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. This syngas is then