The main chemical components of fossil fuels such as oil and gas are hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons belong to a group of chemical substance composed only by Carbon and Hydrogen atoms.

Fossil fuels definition

The tables below display a group of hydrocarbons named Alkanes, including their chemical formula and their phase at atmospheric pressure and 20° C

The lightest components Methane CH₄ boils at -161° C while Hexane C₆H₁₄boils at 69°C.

Even if coal is not a hydrocarbon but still a fossil fuel, a brief description is included.

Coal primarily consists of carbon together with minerals as clay and quarts transformed from plants.

Peat
Partly transformed material from plants (Kerogen). Around 50% Carbon

Lignite
Brown, soft coal, more than 70% Carbon, transforms below 100° C

Bitumen
Black coal, more than 70% Carbon, transforms between 100° C -200° C

Anthracite
Black coal, more than 70% Carbon, transforms between 200° C -300° C