To determine which hydrocarbon has more than one possible structural formula, we need to examine the possible structures for each hydrocarbon.
1. Methane (CH4):
- Methane has only one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms attached in a tetrahedral structure. There is no possibility for structural variation.
- Structural formula count: 1
2. Ethane (C2H6):
- Ethane consists of two carbon atoms single-bonded to each other, with each carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms. This configuration is straightforward with no alternative structural forms.
- Structural formula count: 1
3. Propane (C3H8):
- Propane has three carbon atoms in a straight chain, with the remaining valences filled by hydrogen atoms. This linear structure does not allow for alternative configurations.
- Structural formula count: 1
4. Butane (C4H10):
- Butane has four carbon atoms, and there are two different ways the atoms can be arranged:
- n-butane: A straight chain of four carbon atoms.
- isobutane: A branched structure where three carbon atoms form a chain and the fourth carbon is attached to the middle carbon in the chain.
- Thus, butane has two distinct structural forms.
- Structural formula count: 2
Given the above analysis, the hydrocarbon with more than one possible structural formula is C4H10.
