alkanes
nounUK /ˈæl.keɪnz/
US /ˈæl.keɪnz/
Alkanes are a group of simple chemicals made only of carbon and hydrogen atoms joined in chains.
Methane and propane are alkanes found in natural gas.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A class of organic compounds in which carbon atoms are linked by single bonds only.
Chemists classify alkanes by the number of carbon atoms in their chain.
3. The main components of fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas.
The alkanes in gasoline burn to release energy that powers car engines.
4. Compounds that are generally less reactive than alkenes or alkynes.
Because alkanes have only single bonds, they do not react easily with acids.