An alkane is a type of hydrocarbon, which means it is made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. Alkanes are known for having single bonds between their carbon atoms, making them saturated compounds. This means they hold the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible. Common examples of alkanes include methane, ethane, and propane, which are often found in natural gas and used as fuels. Alkanes are generally non-reactive and are considered the simplest form of hydrocarbons. They can be straight-chain or branched, affecting their physical properties. Due to their stability, alkanes are widely used in various industries, including petrochemicals and energy production.