Which hydrocarbon will be most stable

Options

A. Methane
B. Ethane
C. Propane
D. Butane

Explanation

To determine which hydrocarbon is the most stable among methane, ethane, propane, and butane, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Hydrocarbons
- **Methane (CH₄)**: The simplest alkane with one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.
- **Ethane (C₂H₆)**: Composed of two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms.
- **Propane (C₃H₈)**: Contains three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms.
- **Butane (C₄H₁₀)**: Made up of four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms.

### Step 2: Consider Stability Factors
- Stability in hydrocarbons is influenced by intermolecular forces, particularly Van der Waals forces (dispersion forces).
- These forces increase with the size and molecular weight of the hydrocarbon.

### Step 3: Compare Molecular Weights
- **Molecular Weight of Methane**: 16 g/mol (C: 12 + H: 4)
- **Molecular Weight of Ethane**: 30 g/mol (C: 24 + H: 6)
- **Molecular Weight of Propane**: 44 g/mol (C: 36 + H: 8)
- **Molecular Weight of Butane**: 58 g/mol (C: 48 + H: 10)

### Step 4: Analyze the Data
- As we can see, butane has the highest molecular weight among the four hydrocarbons.
- Since stability is directly proportional to molecular weight due to increased Van der Waals forces, butane will be the most stable hydrocarbon.

### Conclusion
- Therefore, **butane (C₄H₁₀)** is the most stable hydrocarbon among methane, ethane, propane, and butane.

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