Definition: An aliphatic compound is a hydrocarbon compound containing carbon and hydrogen joined together in straight chains, branched trains or non-aromatic rings.
Also Known As: aliphatic compound
Examples:
ethylene, isooctane, acetylene
By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com Guide
This is the chemical structure of isopentane. Isopentane is an example of an aliphatic hydrocarbon.
Todd Helmenstine©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.
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