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Multiple Choice
Which of the following compounds is considered the simplest alkane in organic chemistry?
A
Butane
B
Methane
C
Ethane
D
Propane
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definition of alkanes: Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons consisting of carbon and hydrogen atoms with single bonds between the carbon atoms. They follow the general formula \( C_nH_{2n+2} \).
Identify the simplest alkane: The simplest alkane is the one with the smallest number of carbon atoms. According to the formula \( C_nH_{2n+2} \), the smallest value for \( n \) is 1.
Apply the formula for \( n = 1 \): Substitute \( n = 1 \) into the formula \( C_nH_{2n+2} \) to get \( C_1H_4 \), which corresponds to methane.
Compare methane with other options: Methane (\( CH_4 \)) has one carbon atom, while ethane (\( C_2H_6 \)), propane (\( C_3H_8 \)), and butane (\( C_4H_{10} \)) have more than one carbon atom.
Conclude that methane is the simplest alkane: Since methane has the smallest number of carbon atoms, it is considered the simplest alkane in organic chemistry.