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. 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. our editorial process Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Updated 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