To determine which compound is most commonly found in a deposit of natural gas, let's first examine the structures and compositions of each compound:
1. [tex]\(CH_4\)[/tex]
- Known as methane.
- It consists of one carbon (C) atom and four hydrogen (H) atoms.
- A simple hydrocarbon and the primary component of natural gas.
2. [tex]\(CH_3OH\)[/tex]
- Known as methanol.
- Consists of one carbon (C) atom, four hydrogen (H) atoms, and one oxygen (O) atom.
- Also referred to as wood alcohol, and not a common constituent of natural gas deposits.
3. [tex]\(CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_3\)[/tex]
- Known as octane.
- Consists of eight carbon (C) atoms and eighteen hydrogen (H) atoms.
- Typically found in gasoline and other refined products, not primarily in natural gas deposits.
4. [tex]\(CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2OH\)[/tex]
- Known as octanol.
- Consists of eight carbon (C) atoms, seventeen hydrogen (H) atoms, and one oxygen (O) atom.
- An alcohol, and not commonly found as a primary component in natural gas.
The most likely compound to be found in a deposit of natural gas is methane ([tex]\(CH_4\)[/tex]). Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon and constitutes the largest portion of natural gas. Therefore, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{CH_4} \][/tex]
