Alkanes are a type of hydrocarbon, which means 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 less reactive compared to other hydrocarbons. Common examples of alkanes include methane, ethane, and propane, which are often found in natural gas and used as fuels. These compounds can be straight-chain or branched, affecting their physical properties like boiling and melting points. Alkanes are important in various industries, especially in the production of fuels and plastics. Their simplicity and abundance make them a fundamental part of organic chemistry.