Candle wax is primarily made up of hydrocarbons, which are molecules composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms.

Here's a breakdown:

* Paraffin wax: The most common type of candle wax, it's derived from petroleum and consists of long chains of hydrocarbons, typically containing 20 to 40 carbon atoms.

* Beeswax: Produced by honeybees, it's a complex mixture of esters, hydrocarbons, and other compounds. The main components are long-chain fatty acids and alcohols.

* Soy wax: Made from soybeans, it's primarily composed of saturated fatty acids, mainly palmitic and stearic acid, which are also hydrocarbons.

* Palm wax: Derived from palm trees, it's a blend of fatty acids, alcohols, and hydrocarbons.

While the specific composition of different waxes varies, the fundamental building blocks are always carbon and hydrogen atoms, arranged in different chains and structures.