JAMB Chemistry 2020 Question 21

Question 21

Hydrocarbons

Which of these hydrocarbons burns in air with a sooty flame?

  1. A.C2H6
  2. B.C6H6
  3. C.C4H10
  4. D.C3H8
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (C6H6)

Explanation

Benzene, C6H6, has a high carbon-to-hydrogen ratio, so it burns incompletely and gives a smoky, sooty flame; the alkanes burn cleanly.