Which compound has the chemical formula CH₃CH₃?

Which compound has the chemical formula CH₃CH₃?

• A. Methane
• B. Ethane
• C. Propane
• D. Butane

Answer: (B)

The chemical formula CH₃CH₃ corresponds to ethane, which is an alkane with two carbon atoms. When analyzing the structure, the formula indicates that there are two carbon atoms (C) and six hydrogen atoms (H) connected to each other. The simple carbon chain formed by these atoms is representative of alkanes, which have the general formula CₙH₂ₙ₊₂. In this case, n is equal to 2, thus confirming the presence of two carbons leading to the appropriate number of hydrogen atoms: C₂H₆, which is indeed ethane. Ethane is a colorless and odorless gas at room temperature and is commonly used as a fuel and a chemical feedstock. Other compounds do not fit this specific formula: methane contains only one carbon, propane has three carbons, and butane has four. Therefore, ethane is the only compound that correctly matches CH₃CH₃.

The chemical formula CH₃CH₃ corresponds to ethane, which is an alkane with two carbon atoms. When analyzing the structure, the formula indicates that there are two carbon atoms (C) and six hydrogen atoms (H) connected to each other. The simple carbon chain formed by these atoms is representative of alkanes, which have the general formula CₙH₂ₙ₊₂.

In this case, n is equal to 2, thus confirming the presence of two carbons leading to the appropriate number of hydrogen atoms: C₂H₆, which is indeed ethane. Ethane is a colorless and odorless gas at room temperature and is commonly used as a fuel and a chemical feedstock.

Other compounds do not fit this specific formula: methane contains only one carbon, propane has three carbons, and butane has four. Therefore, ethane is the only compound that correctly matches CH₃CH₃.