Final answer:
The skeletal structure for hexane is based on its condensed formula CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3, with each carbon atom represented by a vertex on a zig-zag line.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we want to draw the skeletal structure of an organic compound from a condensed formula, we represent each carbon atom as the vertex of a zig-zag line and omit the hydrogen atoms bonded to the carbon atoms. For hexane, which is a six-carbon alkane with all single bonds, we can look at the condensed formulas given in the question and select the correct one.
The correct condensed formula for hexane is A) CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3. This formula tells us that there are two terminal methyl (CH3) groups and four methylene (CH2) groups in between. We would draw this as a straight zig-zag line with six vertex points where each vertex represents a carbon atom.
There is a mistake in the student's options since options B) and D) represent a seven-carbon alkane, while option C) is missing a carbon and represents a five-carbon alkane.