Given the following skeletal structure: a straight chain of four carbon atoms with no branches or double bonds, what is the correct condensed structural formula?

• A. $\mathrm{CH}3$$\mathrm{CH}2$$\mathrm{CH}2$$\mathrm{CH}3$
• B. $\mathrm{CH}3$$\mathrm{CH}2$$\mathrm{CH}2$$\mathrm{CH}2$
• C. $C_4{H}_{10}$
• D. $\mathrm{CH}3$$\mathrm{CH}2$$\mathrm{CH}3$

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the number of carbon atoms in the straight chain. Here, there are four carbon atoms connected in a row with no branches or double bonds.
2. Recall that a straight chain alkane with four carbons is called butane, which follows the general alkane formula \(C_nH_{2n+2}\).
3. Write the molecular formula for butane using the formula: \(C_4H_{2(4)+2} = C_4H_{10}\).
4. Express the condensed structural formula by showing each carbon atom with its attached hydrogens. The two end carbons each have three hydrogens (\(CH_3\)), and the two middle carbons each have two hydrogens (\(CH_2\)).
5. Combine these groups in order to write the condensed formula as \(CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_3\), representing the four-carbon straight chain alkane.