Question

The total number of different carbon chains that four carbon atoms form in alkane is ______.

Options

• 5

• 4

• 3

• 2

Answer 1

The total number of different carbon chains that four carbon atoms form in alkane is 2.

Explanation:

Alkanes with four carbon atoms (\[\ce{C4H10}\]) can form two different carbon chain structures: n-Butane (straight-chain) and Isobutane (branched-chain, 2-Methylpropane). These are the only two possible structural isomers for a four-carbon alkane.