An alkane with four carbon atoms has which molecular formula?

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Study for the IGCSE Organic Chemistry Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and detailed explanations. Prepare effectively to excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

An alkane with four carbon atoms has which molecular formula?

Explanation:
Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with only single bonds, so their formula follows CnH2n+2. With four carbon atoms, n = 4, giving hydrogen count 2×4 + 2 = 10. That makes the molecular formula C4H10, which corresponds to butane. A formula with eight hydrogens (C4H8) would imply a double bond or ring, not an alkane. Formulas like C5H12 or C3H8 don’t have four carbons, so they don’t describe an alkane with four carbon atoms.

Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with only single bonds, so their formula follows CnH2n+2. With four carbon atoms, n = 4, giving hydrogen count 2×4 + 2 = 10. That makes the molecular formula C4H10, which corresponds to butane. A formula with eight hydrogens (C4H8) would imply a double bond or ring, not an alkane. Formulas like C5H12 or C3H8 don’t have four carbons, so they don’t describe an alkane with four carbon atoms.

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