Molecules that contain 4 carbon atoms are classified as what state?

Molecules that contain four carbon atoms can vary in their state depending on structure and conditions; however, they are typically classified based on their physical state in standard conditions. The correct classification for four-carbon molecules is more nuanced.

Four carbon atoms can form various hydrocarbons, including butanes (which are gases at room temperature) and butanols (which may be liquids). In the context of simple hydrocarbons at standard temperature and pressure, the four-carbon saturated hydrocarbon, butane, is commonly a gas.

When considering commonly encountered four-carbon compounds, particularly in the context of typical hydrocarbons, butanes are known to be gaseous at room temperature. Therefore, classifying four-carbon hydrocarbons as gases aligns with their common existence under standard atmospheric conditions.

Other options do exist for compounds with four carbons depending on their functional groups and structural variations, but in a fundamental hydrocarbon context, the classification as gas is consistent with the characteristics of many light alkanes.