Which is the structural formula for methane?

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

Which is the structural formula for methane?

Explanation:
Methane has one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms, giving it four single bonds around the carbon. The structural idea is that carbon needs four bonds, so methane’s structure is a single carbon with four C–H bonds. The condensed formula CH4 shows exactly that composition. The other options depict longer chains of carbon atoms (ethane, propane, butane), which makes them not methane.

Methane has one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms, giving it four single bonds around the carbon. The structural idea is that carbon needs four bonds, so methane’s structure is a single carbon with four C–H bonds. The condensed formula CH4 shows exactly that composition. The other options depict longer chains of carbon atoms (ethane, propane, butane), which makes them not methane.

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