Question

Which of the following is not a straight chain hydrocarbon?

(A) (i)                             (B) (ii)
(C) (iii)                            (D) (iv)

Answer 1

(D) (iv)

In structures (i), (ii) and (iii), all the carbon atoms are attached by covalent bonds in a continuous straight chain.

In structure (iv), - CH₃ group is attached to the second carbon atom of the chain forming a branch. Hence, compound in structure (iv) is a branched chain hydrocarbon.