Simple Molecules:
* Methane (CH4): A simple hydrocarbon, the main component of natural gas.
* Ethane (C2H6), Propane (C3H8), Butane (C4H10): Other hydrocarbons found in natural gas and used as fuels.
* Ethylene (C2H4) and Acetylene (C2H2): Important building blocks in the chemical industry.
Larger Molecules:
* Polymers: Many plastics are made from hydrocarbons.
* Fats and Oils: These are esters of fatty acids, which are long chains of carbon and hydrogen.
* Waxes: Similar to fats and oils, but with even longer chains.
* Sugars: While sugars also contain oxygen, they have a backbone of carbon and hydrogen.
Beyond Molecules:
* Petroleum: A complex mixture of hydrocarbons found underground.
* Natural Gas: Primarily methane, but also contains other hydrocarbons.
* Coal: A solid fossil fuel made of carbon and hydrogen, along with other elements.
Important Note: While carbon and hydrogen are the primary components of these substances, they often contain other elements as well, such as oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur.
