Which of the following molecules has the fewest characteristics of an organic molecule?

• A. $C_2{H}_6$ (ethane)
• B. ${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{OH}$ (methanol)
• C. ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$ (carbon dioxide)
• D. ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$ (methane)

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the general characteristics of organic molecules: they primarily contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms, often with other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, or halogens, and typically feature covalent bonding.
2. Examine each molecule's formula and structure to identify these characteristics:
3. Ethane (\(C_2H_6\)) consists of carbon and hydrogen atoms bonded covalently, fitting the typical organic molecule criteria.
4. Methanol (\(CH_3OH\)) contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with covalent bonds, and is considered organic due to the carbon-hydrogen framework.
5. Carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) contains carbon and oxygen but lacks carbon-hydrogen bonds, which are a key feature of organic molecules, making it less characteristic of organic compounds.
6. Methane (\(CH_4\)) is a simple hydrocarbon with carbon-hydrogen bonds, clearly an organic molecule.
7. Therefore, by comparing these features, identify which molecule has the fewest organic characteristics based on the presence or absence of carbon-hydrogen bonds and typical organic bonding patterns.