Alkanes are a type of hydrocarbon, meaning they are made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They are the simplest form of hydrocarbons and have a general formula of CₙH₂ₙ₊₂, where "n" represents the number of carbon atoms. Alkanes are saturated, which means they contain only single bonds between carbon atoms. Common examples include methane, ethane, and propane. These compounds are typically found in natural gas and petroleum, making them important fuels. Alkanes are generally non-polar and have low reactivity, which makes them stable and safe to handle. Their properties make them useful in various applications, including heating and cooking.