Which of the following carbon compounds shows the presence of a branched chain structure?
Butane (C4H10)
A branched chain exists when a carbon compound can have its carbon atoms arranged so that at least one carbon is attached to three or more other carbons, creating a side branch. This requires at least four carbon atoms.
Butane (C4H10) has four carbon atoms and exists in two isomeric forms: a straight chain (n-butane) and a branched chain (iso-butane or 2-methylpropane). Because it can form a branched structure, butane is the correct answer.
Ethane (C2H6) has only two carbons, so its atoms can only line up straight; branching is impossible with so few carbons.
Cyclohexane (C6H12) is a closed ring of six carbons, a cyclic structure rather than a branched open chain.
Methane (CH4) has a single carbon atom and therefore no chain at all, let alone a branched one.
Hence, the carbon compound that shows a branched chain structure is butane.
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