Extensive studies have been carried out on the oxidation of hydrocarbons up to C₁₀ in a jet-stirred reactor. The experimental technique is described and the essential results of these studies are exposed. The great volume of information obtained from these experiments has permitted to elaborate detailed chemical kinetic reaction mechanisms for the combustion of hydrocabons. These mechamsins have been validated in a very large range of operating conditions including shock tubes and flames. They can describe the oxidation of lower alkenes and of linear alkanes up to C₁₀ in the intermediate and high temperature range up to several atmospheres. The main routes that drive these chemical processes are described, showing the usefulness of such kinetic studies to predict the behavior of practical combustion systems.