Identify which compound is an alkane: ch2o, c6h14, or c3h4. Explain your reasoning.

C₆H₁₄ is the only Alkane in given compounds.

Explanation:

The General Formula for Alkanes is as follow;

Cₓ H₂ₓ ₊ ₂

where;

x = whole number

It means in alkanes for every x number of carbon atoms we have 2x + 2 number of hydrogen atoms. Let's apply this formula on given compounds.

CH₂O:

As there is one carbon atom in this compound hence, the number of hydrogen atoms present for one carbon atom in alkane must be equal to,

H₂₍₁₎ ₊ ₂

H₂ ₊ ₂

H₄

Hence, this compound is not alkane because it contains only two hydrogen atoms.

C₆H₁₄:

As there are six carbon atoms in this compound hence, the number of hydrogen atoms present for six carbon atoms in alkane must be equal to,

H₂₍₆₎ ₊ ₂

H₁₂ ₊ ₂

H₁₄

Hence, this compound is alkane because it contains fourteen hydrogen atoms.

C₃H₄:

As there are three carbon atoms in this compound hence, the number of hydrogen atoms present for three carbon atoms in alkane must be equal to,

H₂₍₃₎ ₊ ₂

H₆ ₊ ₂

H₈

Hence, this compound is not alkane because it contains only four hydrogen atoms.