What is the smallest alkane and its molecular formula?

The smallest alkane is methane, which has the molecular formula CH4. Alkanes are a class of hydrocarbons characterized by having single covalent bonds between carbon atoms. Methane, with one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms, is the simplest member of this family.

In the context of alkanes, the number of carbon atoms increases from methane to other alkanes, resulting in larger molecular formulas. Butane (C4H10), ethane (C2H6), and propane (C3H8) all contain more carbon atoms than methane, making them larger alkanes. Therefore, methane is not only the smallest alkane but also serves as the fundamental building block for more complex alkanes. This distinction makes it the answer to the question regarding the smallest alkane and its molecular formula.