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Which of these compounds would most likely be found in a deposit of natural gas?

A. [tex]\( CH_4 \)[/tex]
B. [tex]\( CH_3OH \)[/tex]
C. [tex]\( CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_3 \)[/tex]
D. [tex]\( CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2OH \)[/tex]


Sagot :

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]