Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Definition

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.