Question

What is the condensed structural formula for an alkane with four carbon atoms?

Answer 1

There are two possible structures.

Explanation:

One has a chain of four carbon atoms.

`"CH"_3"CH"_2"CH"_2"CH"_3`

The other has three `"CH"_3` groups on a central carbon atom.

`("CH"_3)_3"CH"` or, if you prefer, `"CH"_3"CH"("CH"_3)"CH"_3`