hydrocarbons
nounUK /ˌhaɪdrəˈkɑːbənz/
US /ˌhaɪdrəˈkɑːrbənz/
Hydrocarbons are tiny building blocks made of hydrogen and carbon that make up fuels like gas and oil.
The scientist explained that hydrocarbons are found in gasoline, natural gas, and even candle wax.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Chemical compounds consisting only of carbon and hydrogen atoms, forming the basis of many fuels and plastics.
Chemists classify hydrocarbons into families such as alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes.
3. A broad category of organic molecules studied in chemistry for their bonding and reactions.
The textbook chapter on hydrocarbons covers combustion and substitution reactions.
4. Components of crude oil and natural gas that are refined into usable energy products.
Refineries separate hydrocarbons by boiling point to produce gasoline and diesel.