Select the correct answer.

Which compound is inorganic?
A. [tex]C_6H_{12}O_6[/tex]
B. [tex]KH_2PO_4[/tex]
C. [tex]CH_3COOH[/tex]
D. [tex]C_2H_6[/tex]
E. [tex]C_2H_5OH[/tex]



Answer :

To determine which compound is inorganic, we first need to understand the basic distinction between organic and inorganic compounds. Organic compounds are primarily composed of carbon atoms bonded together with hydrogen atoms and possibly other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, and so forth. Inorganic compounds, on the other hand, generally do not contain carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds.

Now, let's examine each of the given compounds:

A. [tex]\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)[/tex] - This is glucose, a simple sugar which is a common organic compound found in many biological processes. It contains multiple C-H and C-C bonds, making it organic.

B. [tex]\(KH_2PO_4\)[/tex] - Potassium dihydrogen phosphate. This compound does not contain any C-H bonds or C-C bonds. Instead, it consists of potassium (K), hydrogen (H), phosphorus (P), and oxygen (O), all bonded in a manner characteristic of inorganic salts.

C. [tex]\(CH_3COOH\)[/tex] - This is acetic acid, an organic compound known for its presence in vinegar. It contains both C-H and C-C bonds.

D. [tex]\(C_2H_6\)[/tex] - This is ethane, an organic compound composed entirely of carbon and hydrogen with multiple C-H bonds.

E. [tex]\(C_2H_5OH\)[/tex] - This is ethanol, commonly found in alcoholic beverages. It has both C-H and C-C bonds, making it an organic compound.

After examining each compound, we conclude that:

- Glucose ([tex]\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)[/tex]) is organic.
- Potassium dihydrogen phosphate ([tex]\(KH_2PO_4\)[/tex]) is inorganic.
- Acetic acid ([tex]\(CH_3COOH\)[/tex]) is organic.
- Ethane ([tex]\(C_2H_6\)[/tex]) is organic.
- Ethanol ([tex]\(C_2H_5OH\)[/tex]) is organic.

Therefore, the inorganic compound is:
[tex]\(KH_2PO_4\)[/tex].

So, the correct answer is:
B. [tex]\(KH_2PO_4\)[/tex]