An Alkane (CnH2n+2, Paraffin) is a saturated hydrocarbon that is based on single carbon and hydrogen bonds. Each carbon atom forms up to four separate bonds with four other separate atoms, which will be carbon and hydrogen but may include oxygen or sulphur as well as other elements. However, it is also possible for carbon to form multiple bonds with a single atom, even another carbon atom. When two carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon are linked together by two or more bonds rather than one, the molecule is termed unsaturated. All alkanes are saturated, which means they only contain single bonds between all carbon atoms. Alkanes are the basis of petroleum fuels and are found in linear and branched forms.
Related Definitions in the Project: The Plant and Process Unit
