Which of the following molecular formulas might indicate an alkene?

• A. C₇H₁₆
• B. C₆H₁₂
• C. C₅H₈
• D. C₄H₁₀

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that alkenes are hydrocarbons with at least one carbon-carbon double bond, and they follow the general formula CnH2n.
2. Examine each molecular formula given in the problem to see if it fits the alkene formula CnH2n.
3. For C7H16, calculate the hydrogen count using the alkene formula: If n = 7, then H should be 2(7) = 14. Since C7H16 has 16 hydrogens, it does not fit the alkene formula.
4. For C6H12, calculate the hydrogen count using the alkene formula: If n = 6, then H should be 2(6) = 12. Since C6H12 has 12 hydrogens, it fits the alkene formula.
5. For C5H8, calculate the hydrogen count using the alkene formula: If n = 5, then H should be 2(5) = 10. Since C5H8 has 8 hydrogens, it does not fit the alkene formula.