Decane (C₁₀H₂₂) is cracked to produce octane (C₈H₁₈) and one other product. What is the other product?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Ethene, C₂H₄

  1. Step 1: Subtract the formulae: C₁₀H₂₂ − C₈H₁₈ = C₂H₄.
  2. Step 2: C₂H₄ is ethene, an alkene.
Answer
Ethene, C₂H₄.
Why not the others: Ethane, C₂H₆: cracking forms an unsaturated molecule. Methane, CH₄: this has the wrong number of carbons. Hydrogen, H₂: the carbon atoms must be accounted for.

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