Final answer:
The molecular formula C4H6 fits the pattern for an alkyne, an aliphatic hydrocarbon. Alkynes have a formula of CnH2n-2, and so for four carbons, the compound should have 6 hydrogens, which is the case for C4H6.
Step-by-step explanation:
Identifying Hydrocarbons: Alkane, Alkene, or Alkyne
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. There are different types of hydrocarbons, including alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes. The number of hydrogen atoms in these compounds can provide clues to their classification. Alkanes follow the general formula CnH2n+2, alkenes have the formula CnH2n, and alkynes have the formula CnH2n-2. Looking at the molecular formula C4H6, it does not satisfy the alkane formula because there should be 10 hydrogens (C4H(2×4)+2 = C4H10).
It also does not match the alkene formula, which would require 8 hydrogens (C4H8). However, it does match the general formula for alkynes, which would indeed have 6 hydrogens for four carbon atoms (C4H(2×4)-2 = C4H6). Therefore, a hydrocarbon with a molecular formula of C4H6 is identified as an alkyne.
Furthermore, since it is not a ring of carbon atoms and lacks a special stability associated with aromaticity, it is classified as an aliphatic hydrocarbon rather than an aromatic hydrocarbon.