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Propose a structure for a molecule with formula C₄H₁₀ that meets the following description:

Contains 4 sp₃ carbons.

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Final answer:

The molecule with the formula C₄H₁₀ and four sp³ hybridized carbons can be structured as either butane (CH3CH2CH2CH3) or its isomer, isobutane ((CH3)2CHCH3).

Step-by-step explanation:

To propose a structure for a molecule with formula C₄H₁₀ that contains 4 sp³ carbons, we should look at the possible structures that satisfy the molecular formula and sp³ hybridization for all carbon atoms. The simplest structure that meets this description is butane, a straight-chain alkane.

The molecular structure of butane is CH3CH2CH2CH3. Each carbon in this molecule has four single covalent bonds, which is the characteristic bonding pattern for sp³ hybridization.

In addition to the straight-chain form, butane also has an isomer called isobutane, in which three of the carbons form a branch. The molecular structure of isobutane is (CH3)2CHCH3. Both structures show that all four carbon atoms are sp³ hybridized, meaning that they are single-bonded to other atoms, allowing for the formation of four sigma bonds per carbon atom.

Therefore, based on the description given, a suitable structural formula for a molecule with formula C₄H₁₀ and four sp³ hybridized carbons could be either butane or isobutane.

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