or paraffin
Any of a class of hydrocarbon s whose molecule s consist only of carbon and hydrogen atoms joined by single covalent bond s (general formula C n H (2 n + 2) ).
The simplest is methane (CH 4 ). Alkanes with more than three carbon atoms may have straight and branched isomer s. Cycloalkanes have ring structures (but are not aromatic compound s) with two fewer hydrogen atoms per molecule than the corresponding alkane; many have more than one ring. Commercial sources include petroleum and natural gas . Uses, often as mixtures, include fuels, solvent s, and raw materials. See also paraffin .