Question

For the list of hydrocarbons, rank the hydrocarbons in strength from weakest acid to strongest acid?

1) Methane, Ethane, Propane
2) Propane, Ethane, Methane
3) Ethane, Methane, Propane
4) Methane, Propane, Ethane

Answer 1

The ranking from weakest to strongest acid among methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), and propane (C3H8) is Methane, Ethane, Propane, based on their molecular structure and acidity trends in the homologous series of alkanes.

Step-by-step explanation:

To rank the hydrocarbons methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), and propane (C3H8) from weakest acid to strongest acid, we can use the general knowledge that within a homologous series, acidity typically doesn't vary significantly. However, across the periodic table, the acid strength of binary hydrogen compounds increases with increasing electronegativity of the nonmetal atom.

All three hydrocarbons listed are alkanes, which are very weak acids. Methane, being the simplest alkane, will have slightly less acidic character compared to ethane and propane due to its smaller size and lower tendency to release a proton. Thus, the ranking from weakest acid to strongest acid is Methane, Ethane, Propane.