Which of the listed compounds is not a hydrocarbon?

A. [tex]\(CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2OH\)[/tex]

B. [tex]\(CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_3\)[/tex]

C. [tex]\(CH_4\)[/tex]

D. [tex]\(CH_3CH_2CH_3\)[/tex]



Answer :

To determine which of the listed compounds is not a hydrocarbon, we need to understand the definition of a hydrocarbon. A hydrocarbon is a compound composed entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. If a compound contains any other element, such as oxygen, it is not considered a hydrocarbon.

Let's analyze each of the given compounds one by one:

1. Compound: [tex]$CH_3 CH_2 CH_2 CH_2 OH$[/tex]
- This compound contains an "OH" group, which is a hydroxyl group and indicates the presence of an oxygen atom.
- Since it contains oxygen, this compound is not a hydrocarbon.

2. Compound: [tex]$CH_3 CH_2 CH_2 CH_2 CH_3$[/tex]
- This compound consists entirely of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms.
- Therefore, it is a hydrocarbon.

3. Compound: [tex]$CH_4$[/tex]
- This compound consists entirely of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms.
- Therefore, it is a hydrocarbon.

4. Compound: [tex]$CH_3 CH_2 CH_3$[/tex]
- This compound consists entirely of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms.
- Therefore, it is a hydrocarbon.

Based on the analysis, the compound that is not a hydrocarbon is the first one:
- [tex]$CH _3 CH _2 CH _2 CH _2 OH$[/tex]

Thus, the compound that is not a hydrocarbon is the one listed in the first position.