Enter the molecular formula for butane, c4h10 c 4 h 10.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The molecular formula for butane is C₄H₁₀.
Explanation:
Butane is a hydrocarbon that belongs to the alkane family, which are saturated hydrocarbons. Saturated hydrocarbons contain only single bonds between carbon atoms. Butane has the following molecular structure:
- Carbon (C) atoms: There are four carbon atoms in butane. Carbon atoms form the backbone of organic molecules and can bond to four other atoms due to having four valence electrons.
- Hydrogen (H) atoms: There are ten hydrogen atoms in butane. Each carbon atom in butane bonds with hydrogen atoms to satisfy the octet rule, which states that atoms tend to form bonds until they have eight electrons in their outer shell, mimicking the electron configuration of noble gases.
The general formula for alkanes is CₙH₂ₙ₊₂, where “n” represents the number of carbon atoms. For butane:
- ( n = 4 ), so the formula becomes C₄H₁₀.
Structure:
Butane can exist in two structural isomers:
- n-Butane: This is the straight-chain structure, where the four carbon atoms are connected in a linear arrangement.
- Isobutane (or methylpropane): In this isomer, three carbon atoms form a chain, and the fourth carbon is attached as a branch to the second carbon atom.
Both isomers share the same molecular formula (C₄H₁₀), but their structures differ. This difference leads to slight variations in physical properties like boiling point and melting point.
Butane is commonly used as a fuel, often in gas lighters, portable stoves, and aerosol propellants. It is also a component of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Despite its widespread use, butane must be handled carefully as it is highly flammable.