Material X is an organic compound that mixes poorly with water and is highly flammable. Of the following choices, material X is most likely a(n):
A. Carbohydrate
B. Ester
C. Alcohol
D. Hydrocarbon
Probably a hydrocarbon.
To determine the correct answer, let's examine each option:
A. Carbohydrate: Carbohydrates are organic compounds that consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. Some common examples of carbohydrates include sugars and starches. However, carbohydrates typically dissolve well in water, and they are not necessarily highly flammable. Therefore, material X is unlikely to be a carbohydrate.
B. Ester: Esters are organic compounds that are derived from the reaction between an acid and an alcohol. They usually have pleasant, fruity smells and are often used as flavorings or fragrances. While esters can be flammable to some extent, they are generally less flammable than other compounds. Additionally, esters tend to mix well with water. Therefore, material X is unlikely to be an ester.
C. Alcohol: Alcohols are organic compounds characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to a carbon atom. They are generally soluble in water and have various uses, such as solvents and disinfectants. Although alcohols can be flammable, they typically mix well with water. Therefore, material X is unlikely to be an alcohol.
D. Hydrocarbon: Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed exclusively of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They can have various forms, such as alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes. Hydrocarbons are generally immiscible (poorly mix) with water and are highly flammable. Material X, being both poorly soluble in water and highly flammable, is most likely a hydrocarbon.
Therefore, given the properties mentioned, material X is most likely a hydrocarbon, which makes option D the correct answer.