Question

What is the full name of ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$?

Answer 1

Hydrocarbon

• The name 'hydrocarbon' is self-explanatory, referring to the compounds of hydrogen and carbon only.
• The molecular formula for hydrocarbon compounds is ${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{x}}{\mathrm{H}}_{\mathrm{y}}$.

Full name of ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$

Determination of Root Word

• Select the continuous chain with the maximum number of carbon atoms
• Here only one carbon is present. So, the root word will be “meth”.

Determination of names and positions of Locants

There is no substituents in ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$.

Determination of Suffix

As this compound is saturated and as there are no functional groups, the suffix will be “ane.

• So, the full form of ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$ is methane.
• In industries, it is utilized as an antifreeze ingredient.