1. n. []

One of a group of organic compounds of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) in which the carbon atoms have linear, branched chain (open), or both types of structures. Aliphatics, as they are informally called, can be divided into paraffinic (saturated) and olefinic (unsaturated) chain types. The simplest paraffinic aliphatic is methane, CH4. The simplest olefinic aliphatic is ethylene, C2H6. In drilling fluids, particularly oil-base muds, the amounts and types of hydrocarbon in the mud can be an important parameter in overall performance of the mud.

Synonyms: aliphatic compound

See related terms: aromatic hydrocarbon,  naphthenic hydrocarbon,  oil-base mud,  soap