Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A hydrocarbon is a compound composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms. It is commonly found in fossil fuels like gasoline, natural gas, and petroleum.
Related terms
Alkane: Alkanes are a type of hydrocarbon that only contain single bonds between their carbon atoms. They have the general formula CnH2n+2.
Alkene: Alkenes are another type of hydrocarbon that contain at least one double bond between their carbon atoms. They have the general formula CnH2n.
Alkyne: Alkynes are yet another type of hydrocarbon that contain at least one triple bond between their carbon atoms. They have the general formula CnH2n-2.