Which is the structural formula for methane?

Prepare for the IGCSE Organic Chemistry Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations to ensure you understand the core concepts. Get ready for your test with confidence!

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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