Both methane and ethane may be obtained by suitable one step reaction from

Options

A. Ethyl iodide
B. methyl iodide
C. Formaldehyde
D. Acetaldehyde

Explanation

To solve the problem of obtaining both methane and ethane from a suitable compound in a one-step reaction, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Suitable Compound
The compound that can yield both methane (CH₄) and ethane (C₂H₆) through a one-step reaction is methyl iodide (CH₃I), also known as iodomethane.

**Hint:** Look for a compound that can provide the necessary carbon chains for both methane and ethane.

### Step 2: Understand the Reaction Conditions
To convert methyl iodide to ethane, we can use sodium (Na) in the presence of dry ether. This reaction is known as the Wurtz reaction, where two alkyl halides are coupled to form a higher alkane.

**Hint:** Remember that the Wurtz reaction involves coupling two alkyl halides using sodium.

### Step 3: Perform the Reaction
In the Wurtz reaction, when we treat methyl iodide (CH₃I) with sodium in dry ether, the following reaction occurs:
\[ 2 \, CH₃I + 2 \, Na \xrightarrow{dry \, ether} C₂H₆ + 2 \, NaI \]
This reaction results in the formation of ethane (C₂H₆).

**Hint:** The reaction involves two molecules of methyl iodide to form one molecule of ethane.

### Step 4: Reduction to Obtain Methane
To obtain methane from methyl iodide, we can simply reduce it. The reduction of methyl iodide can be achieved using various reducing agents, such as lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH₄) or zinc in acid.

\[ CH₃I + \text{Reducing Agent} \rightarrow CH₄ + \text{by-products} \]

This reaction results in the formation of methane (CH₄).

**Hint:** Look for a reducing agent that can effectively convert alkyl halides to alkanes.

### Conclusion
Thus, from the compound methyl iodide (CH₃I), we can obtain both methane (CH₄) and ethane (C₂H₆) through suitable one-step reactions.

**Final Answer:** The most suitable compound is methyl iodide (CH₃I).