Consider the following alkanes: methane, ethane, propane, n-butane, isobutane, neopentane, isopentan — Hydrocarbons Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Alkanes containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms ($C_1-C_4$) are gases at room temperature. This includes methane, ethane, propane, n-butane, and isobutane. Pentanes ($C_5$) are generally liquids, with the notable exception of neopentane (2,2-dimethylpropane), which is exceptionally spherical, has very weak intermolecular forces, and exists as a gas at room temp. Isopentane and n-pentane are liquids. Therefore, $5 + 1 = 6$ gases.