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Hydrocarbon



Hydrocarbon, any organic compound of hydrogen and carbon. They are divided into two classes: aliphatics, in which the carbon atoms are arranged in chains, and aromatics, in which they are arranged in rings. The aliphatics are divided into various sub-groups according to the way the carbon atoms are bonded together. Hydrocarbons occur in petroleum and natural gas. Commercial products include gasoline, kerosene, airplane fuel, lubricating oils, and paraffin.



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21st Century Webster's Family Encyclopedia21st Century Webster's Family Encyclopedia - Humber, River to Indus Valley civilization