A Hydrocarbon is an organic compound composed of hydrogen (H) and carbon (C) that makes up most of the petroleum, natural gas, and fuels. The Hydrocarbon consists of hundreds or thousands of individual atoms that are linked together in any number of ways, including chains, circles, and other complex shapes. The smallest hydrocarbon, methane (CH4), is composed of a single carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. The Hydrocarbons are used as fuels, solvents, and as raw materials for numerous products such as petroleum, chemicals, and plastics. The Emission gases of hydrocarbons are a major cause of air pollution and global warming.
Related Definitions in the Project: The Project; Plant and Process Unit
