Science, Tech, Math › Science Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Definition Share Flipboard Email Print LAGUNA DESIGN / Getty Images Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Facebook Twitter Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on July 03, 2019 An aliphatic compound is a hydrocarbon compound containing carbon and hydrogen joined together in straight chains, branched trains or non-aromatic rings. Aliphatic compounds may be saturated (e.g., hexane and other alkanes) or unsaturated (e.g., hexene and other alkenes, as well as alkynes). The simplest aliphatic hydrocarbon is methane, CH4. In addition to hydrogen, other elements may be bound to the carbon atoms in the chain, including oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine, and sulfur. Most aliphatic hydrocarbons are flammable. Also Known As: aliphatic compound Examples of Aliphatic Hydrocarbons: ethylene, isooctane, acetylene List of Aliphatic Compounds Here is a list of aliphatic compounds, ordered according to the number of carbon atoms they contain. Number of Carbons Aliphatic Hydrocarbons 1 methane 2 ethane, ethene, ethyne 3 propane, propene, propyne, cyclopropane 4 butane, methylpropane, cyclobutene 5 pentane, dimethylpropane, cyclopentene 6 hexane, cyclohexane, cyclohexene 7 heptane, cyclohexane, cyclohexene 8 octane, cyclooctane, cyclooctene Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Definition." ThoughtCo, Sep. 8, 2021, thoughtco.com/definition-of-aliphatic-hydrocarbon-604763. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2021, September 8). Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Definition. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-aliphatic-hydrocarbon-604763 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Definition." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-aliphatic-hydrocarbon-604763 (accessed March 31, 2023). copy citation Featured Video By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies