To determine which compound is most likely to be found in a deposit of natural gas, we will examine each option in detail.
### Step-by-Step Analysis:
1. Compound [tex]\( CH_4 \)[/tex]:
- Chemical Name: Methane
- Description: Methane is a simple hydrocarbon consisting of one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms. It is the primary component of natural gas.
2. Compound [tex]\( CH_3OH \)[/tex]:
- Chemical Name: Methanol
- Description: Methanol is an alcohol with one carbon atom. It is not typically found in natural gas deposits. Methanol is usually produced industrially from synthesis gas.
3. Compound [tex]\( CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_3 \)[/tex]:
- Chemical Name: Octane
- Description: Octane is a hydrocarbon consisting of eight carbon atoms. It is a component of gasoline, not natural gas.
4. Compound [tex]\( CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2OH \)[/tex]:
- Chemical Name: 1-Octanol
- Description: 1-Octanol is an alcohol with an eight-carbon chain. This compound is not typically associated with natural gas deposits, and it is more common in chemical processes and certain types of fuel additives.
### Conclusion:
Among the given options, methane ([tex]\( CH_4 \)[/tex]) is the compound that is most commonly found in natural gas deposits. It is the primary component of natural gas, making up the majority of its composition.
Thus, the compound most likely to be found in a natural gas deposit from the given choices is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{1} \][/tex]
