Question

Which one of the following hydrocarbons is different from the others?

• A. C₄H₁₀
• B. C₇H₁₄
• C. C₅H₁₂
• D. C₂H₆

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the types of hydrocarbons:
Hydrocarbons are compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They can be classified into different types based on their bonding structure. The main types of hydrocarbons are:
- Alkanes: Saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds between carbon atoms (C_nH_2n+2). - Alkenes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one double bond between carbon atoms (C_nH_2n).

Step 2: Analyzing the chemical formulas:
We are given four hydrocarbons, and we need to identify which one is different. Let's analyze their formulas and identify their type:

• C₄H₁₀: This is an alkane. It follows the general formula C_nH_2n+2 (where n = 4), which indicates it is an alkane with only single bonds between the carbon atoms.
• C₇H₁₄: This is an alkene. It follows the general formula C_nH_2n (where n = 7), indicating the presence of at least one double bond between the carbon atoms.
• C₅H₁₂: This is an alkane. It follows the general formula C_nH_2n+2 (where n = 5), which indicates it is an alkane with only single bonds between the carbon atoms.
• C₂H₆: This is an alkane. It follows the general formula C_nH_2n+2 (where n = 2), which indicates it is an alkane with only single bonds between the carbon atoms.

Step 3: Identifying the difference:
- Three of the hydrocarbons (C₄H₁₀, C₅H₁₂, and C₂H₆) are alkanes, as they follow the formula C_nH_2n+2, which means they contain only single bonds between carbon atoms.
- One hydrocarbon (C₇H₁₄) is an alkene, as it follows the formula C_nH_2n, indicating the presence of at least one double bond between the carbon atoms.

Step 4: Conclusion:
The hydrocarbon that is different from the others is:

C₇H₁₄

because it is an alkene, while the others are alkanes, which contain only single bonds between carbon atoms.