Identify which compound is an alkane: ch2o, c6h14, or c3h4. explain your reasoning.

               C₆H₁₄ is the only Alkane in given compounds.

The General Formula for Alkanes is as follow;

                                                    Cₓ H₂ₓ ₊ ₂

where;

           x  =  whole number

It means in alkanes for every x number of carbon atoms we have 2x + 2 number of hydrogen atoms. Let's apply this formula on given compounds.

CH₂O:

          As there is one carbon atom in this compound hence, the number of hydrogen atoms  present for one carbon atom in alkane must be equal to,

                                                    H₂₍₁₎ ₊ ₂

                                                    H₂ ₊ ₂

                                                    H₄

Hence, this compound is not alkane because it contains only two hydrogen atoms.

C₆H₁₄:

          As there are six carbon atoms in this compound hence, the number of hydrogen atoms present for six carbon atoms in alkane must be equal to,

                                                    H₂₍₆₎ ₊ ₂

                                                    H₁₂ ₊ ₂

                                                    H₁₄

Hence, this compound is alkane because it contains fourteen hydrogen atoms.

C₃H₄:

          As there are three carbon atoms in this compound hence, the number of hydrogen atoms present for three carbon atoms in alkane must be equal to,

                                                    H₂₍₃₎ ₊ ₂

                                                    H₆ ₊ ₂

                                                    H₈

Hence, this compound is not alkane because it contains only four hydrogen atoms.