Final answer:
To demonstrate all six carbon atoms in a straight chain, one can use hexane (C6H14) as an example. Hexane has a linear structure, represented by CH3-(CH2)4-CH3 and undergoes complete combustion in the presence of oxygen to form CO2 and H2O.
Step-by-step explanation:
To illustrate that all six carbon atoms are linked in a straight chain, we need to depict a chemical compound known as hexane. Hexane has the molecular formula C6H14 and has its six carbon atoms connected in a linear fashion without branches. The structural formula for hexane can be written as CH3-(CH2)4-CH3. This displays that there is a methyl group (CH3) at each end of the chain, with four methylene groups (CH2) in between, making a continuous chain of six carbons.
An example of a chemical reaction that hexane might undergo which keeps the carbon chain intact is a combustion reaction. When hexane undergoes complete combustion in the presence of oxygen, the reaction is:
C6H14 + 9.5O2 → 6CO2 + 7H2O
This balanced chemical equation demonstrates how hexane combusts to produce carbon dioxide and water, while preserving the carbon backbone.