C16, also known as hexadecane, is a hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C16H34. It belongs to the alkane family, which consists of saturated hydrocarbons. Hexadecane is a straight-chain molecule, meaning its carbon atoms are arranged in a linear fashion. It is commonly found in various natural sources, including petroleum and certain plant oils. Hexadecane is often used in laboratories and industrial applications as a standard for measuring the properties of other substances. It serves as a reference compound in studies of fuel and lubricant performance. Additionally, hexadecane is utilized in the production of surfactants and other chemical products.