What is the general formula for cycloalkanes?

1 Answer
anor277
Oct 24, 2016

The general formula for a cycloalkane is #C_nH_(2n)#.

Explanation:

On the other hand, the general formula of an alkane is #C_nH_(2n+2)#. In cycloalkanes, the ring junction, the extra #C-C# bond has reduced the hydrogen count by #2#.

Chemists speak of degrees of unsaturation with respect to organic formulae. Alkanes are conceived to be saturated, and each 2 hydrogens less than the saturated formula corresponds to a so-called #"degree of unsaturation"#. See here for further explanation.

Related questions
See all questions in Naming Alkanes, Alkenes, and Alkynes
Impact of this question
9966 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License