As a chemical expert with a background in organic chemistry, I am well-versed in the classification and properties of various compounds, including methane. Methane, with the chemical formula CH4, is indeed a compound, not a mixture. It is composed of one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms, making it the simplest alkane, a type of hydrocarbon.

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They can be classified into several categories based on their structure, such as alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Methane is an alkane, which is characterized by single bonds between carbon atoms and an even number of hydrogen atoms.

The distinction between a compound and a mixture is fundamental in chemistry. A compound is a substance formed when two or more chemical elements are chemically bonded together. These elements cannot be separated by physical means; they can only be separated through chemical reactions. In contrast, a mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are not chemically combined. The components of a mixture can be separated by physical means, such as filtration, distillation, or extraction.

Methane, being a compound, exhibits the properties of a chemically bonded entity. It has a definite composition, a specific melting and boiling point, and chemical properties that are distinct from its constituent elements. For example, methane is flammable and can be used as a fuel, a property that neither carbon nor hydrogen exhibits in their elemental forms.

On the other hand, crude oil is an example of a mixture. It contains a complex array of hydrocarbon compounds, including alkanes, cycloalkanes, aromatic hydrocarbons, and other organic compounds. These components are not chemically bonded to each other but are mixed together. Crude oil can be refined to separate its components through various physical and chemical processes, such as distillation, which separates the components based on differences in boiling points.

In summary, methane is a compound with a specific chemical structure and properties that are unique to it. It is not a mixture, as it does not consist of separate substances that can be physically separated. Understanding the difference between compounds and mixtures is crucial for grasping the fundamental concepts of chemistry and the behavior of substances in various chemical processes.

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Methane is a compound - CH4. That is one carbon atom with 4 hydrogen atoms attached to it. Methane is the simplest form of hydrocarbon. ... Crude oil is an example of a mixture containing a variety of hydrocarbon compounds.Sep 15, 2017read more >>