The Probert Encyclopaedia of Science & Technology

HYDROCARBON

A hydrocarbon is a chemical consisting of carbon and hydrogen, e.g. methane, benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, acetylene, ethylene. Many of these are formed during the destructive distillation of coal in making gas. Certain hydrocarbons are also found in the gums of trees. American petroleum, vaseline, and paraffin wax consist largely of paraffin hydrocarbons.
Research Hydrocarbon