Alkanes are a type of hydrocarbon, meaning they are made up of only hydrogen and carbon atoms. They are known for their simple structure, where carbon atoms are connected by single bonds. This makes alkanes relatively stable and unreactive compared to other hydrocarbons. Common examples of alkanes include methane, ethane, and propane, which are often used as fuels. These compounds can be found in natural gas and petroleum, making them important in energy production. Alkanes are categorized by the number of carbon atoms they contain, with the simplest being methane (one carbon) and larger ones like octane (eight carbons) used in gasoline.