Here goes: marsh gas, or methane as it is sometimes called, is the first of the group of hydrocarbons known as paraffins.
The Riddle of the Frozen Flame|Mary E. Hanshew
hydrocarbons
Chemical compounds whose main feature is a long chain of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms. Hydrocarbons are organic molecules (see also organic molecule).
notes for hydrocarbons
Many hydrocarbons are used as fuels. Some examples of hydrocarbon fuels are the components of gasoline; methane, which is the main ingredient of natural gas; and some components of wood.