Answer:
The chain of saturated hydrocarbons follows the pattern of alkanes, which are hydrocarbons with single bonds between carbon atoms. The general formula for alkanes is \( C_nH_{2n+2} \).
Given the provided chain:
1. Methane: \( CH_4 \) (The structural formula is \( \text{CH}_3-\text{H} \))
2. Ethane: \( C_2H_6 \) (The structural formula is \( \text{CH}_3-\text{CH}_3 \))
3. Propane: \( C_3H_8 \) (The structural formula is \( \text{CH}_3-\text{CH}_2-\text{CH}_3 \))
4. Butane: \( C_4H_{10} \) (The structural formula is \( \text{CH}_3-\text{CH}_2-\text{CH}_2-\text{CH}_3 \))
So, the missing hydrocarbons are:
3. Propane: \( C_3H_8 \) (Structural formula: \( \text{CH}_3-\text{CH}_2-\text{CH}_3 \))
5. Pentane: \( C_5H_{12} \) (Structural formula: \( \text{CH}_3-\text{CH}_2-\text{CH}_2-\text{CH}_2-\text{CH}_3 \))
Therefore, the completed chain of saturated hydrocarbons is: \( \text{CH}_4 - \text{C}_2\text{H}_6 - \text{C}_3\text{H}_8 - \text{C}_4\text{H}_{10} - \text{C}_5\text{H}_{12} \).
