What is the molecular formula for pentane?

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Multiple Choice

What is the molecular formula for pentane?

Explanation:
Pentane is an alkane with five carbon atoms, and alkanes have the formula CnH2n+2, where n is the number of carbon atoms. With n = 5, hydrogen is 2×5 + 2 = 12. So the molecular formula is C5H12. This formula is the same for all pentane isomers, even though they differ in arrangement. The other formulas correspond to smaller alkanes: CH4 for one carbon (methane), C2H6 for two carbons (ethane), and C4H10 for four carbons (butane).

Pentane is an alkane with five carbon atoms, and alkanes have the formula CnH2n+2, where n is the number of carbon atoms. With n = 5, hydrogen is 2×5 + 2 = 12. So the molecular formula is C5H12. This formula is the same for all pentane isomers, even though they differ in arrangement. The other formulas correspond to smaller alkanes: CH4 for one carbon (methane), C2H6 for two carbons (ethane), and C4H10 for four carbons (butane).

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