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.

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