alkane Hydrocarbon compound with the general formula C_nH_2n+2. Alkanes have a single carbon-carbon bond and form an homologous series whose first members are methane, ethane, propane and butane. Because alkanes are saturated compounds they are relatively unreactive. Alkanes are used as fuels. See also paraffin

al·kane / ˈalˌkān/ • n. Chem. any of the series of saturated hydrocarbons having the general formula C_nH_2n+2, including methane, ethane, and propane.