What is the condensed structural formula for an alkane with four carbon atoms?

• A. $C_3{H}_8$
• B. $C_4{H}_6$
• C. $C_4{H}_{10}$
• D. $C_4{H}_8$

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with the general molecular formula \(C_nH_{2n+2}\), where \(n\) is the number of carbon atoms.
2. Identify the number of carbon atoms given in the problem, which is 4 in this case, so \(n = 4\).
3. Apply the alkane formula to find the number of hydrogen atoms: \(H = 2 \times 4 + 2\).
4. Calculate the hydrogen count without finalizing the number, so the molecular formula is \(C_4H_{2 \times 4 + 2}\).
5. Write the condensed structural formula by arranging the carbon atoms in a chain and attaching the appropriate number of hydrogens to satisfy the valency of carbon (4 bonds each), resulting in a formula like \(CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_3\).