Hydrocarbon

Hydrocarbon, any organic compound of hydrogen and carbon. They are divided into two classes: aliphatics, in which the carbon atoms are arranged in chains, and aromatics, in which they are arranged in rings. The aliphatics are divided into various sub-groups according to the way the carbon atoms are bonded together. Hydrocarbons occur in petroleum and natural gas. Commercial products include gasoline, kerosene, airplane fuel, lubricating oils, and paraffin.