Which of the following is classified as an alkane?

The classification of alkanes is based on their structure and bonding characteristics. Alkanes are hydrocarbons that consist solely of carbon and hydrogen, with all carbon-carbon bonds being single bonds. They follow the general formula CnH2n+2, which reflects the saturated nature of these compounds.

In this case, C2H6 (ethane) is classified as an alkane because it adheres to this formula. It contains two carbon atoms and therefore should have four hydrogen atoms (2 * 2 + 2 = 6), which matches the molecular formula for ethane. This structure ensures that all carbon atoms are fully saturated with hydrogen without any double or triple bonds present, reinforcing its classification as an alkane.

Other options include compounds that do not meet the criteria for being an alkane. For instance, C2H4 (ethylene) has a double bond between the carbon atoms, which makes it an alkene rather than an alkane. CH3OH (methanol) is an alcohol, characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl group (-OH), and CH3COOH (acetic acid) is a carboxylic acid, indicated by the presence of a carboxyl group (-COOH). Thus