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by Retric 3496 days ago
Anthracite coal is up to 85.7% carbon by weight the rest is not pure hydrogen but a mix of sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen. (And yes, that Oxygen lowers the energy density while increasing CO2 release.)

Natural gas is 25% hydrogen 75% carbon.

Burning hydrogen produces water not CO2.

So, while the specific bonds play a role the actual carbon vs. hydrogen content is a major issue.