Methane is the first member of the alkane series. It belongs to a group of compounds called aliphatic compounds. Among the hydrocarbons, it belongs to a group called paraffins. Methane being a paraffin, is not very reactive. It is the simplest hydrocarbon and the molecular formula of methane is `CH_(4)` . It is also called marsh gas because it is found bubbling in marshy places where it is produced by the bacterial decomposition of vegetable matters. It is found in natural gas. It is also produced when wood, peat and coal are dry distilled. It is also found in coal mines where it forms explosive mixture with air. It is called fire-damp by coal miners.
Which of the following is the fourth member of alkane?

Options

A. `C_(3)H_(6)`
B. `CH_(4)`
C. `C_(4)H_(10)`
D. `C_(2)H_(5)OH`

Answer

To determine the fourth member of the alkane series, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Alkane Series
Alkanes are a group of hydrocarbons that consist only of single bonds between carbon atoms. They are also known as saturated hydrocarbons.

### Step 2: Know the General Formula
The general formula for alkanes is given by:
\[ C_nH_{2n+2} \]
where \( n \) is the number of carbon atoms.

### Step 3: Identify the Fourth Member
To find the fourth member of the alkane series, we need to substitute \( n = 4 \) into the general formula:
- For \( n = 4 \):
\[ C_4H_{2(4)+2} = C_4H_{10} \]

### Step 4: Name the Compound
The compound \( C_4H_{10} \) is known as butane, which is the fourth member of the alkane series.

### Conclusion
The fourth member of the alkane series is **butane**, with the molecular formula \( C_4H_{10} \).

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