The general formula of a cycloalkane isa)CnH2nb)CnH2n−−2c)CnH2n+2d)CnHnCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

The general formula of a cycloalkane isa)CnH2nb)CnH2n&#8722;&#8722;2c)CnH2n+2d)CnHnCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Answer

Let's take Cyclopentane, a cycloalkane to understand the answer. The formula of cyclopentane is C5H10.

In this case, number of carbon atoms = n = 5

The number of hydrogen atom = 10 which is double of the number of carbon atoms i.e., 5 x 2 = 10.

Therefore the formula of cycloalkane is CnH2n.

Answer

The general formula of alkane is cnh(2n+2) but in case of cycloalkane it is cnh2n because 2 hydr5are removed from bonding. as complete structure is in cyclic form.

Answer

General Formula of a Cycloalkane

The general formula of a cycloalkane is CnH2n. Let's break down this formula and understand its significance.

Cycloalkanes
Cycloalkanes are a type of hydrocarbon compound that contain a closed ring of carbon atoms. They are classified as saturated hydrocarbons, meaning that all the carbon-carbon bonds in the ring are single bonds. Examples of cycloalkanes include cyclopropane, cyclobutane, cyclopentane, and so on.

General Formula
The general formula of a compound represents the ratio of elements present in it. In the case of cycloalkanes, the general formula is determined by considering the number of carbon atoms in the ring.

CnH2n
Let's break down the formula CnH2n:

- Cn: This represents the number of carbon atoms in the cycloalkane ring. The symbol 'n' is used to denote any positive integer value. For example, if the cycloalkane has 3 carbon atoms in its ring, the formula would be C3H6.

- H2n: This represents the number of hydrogen atoms in the cycloalkane. Since each carbon atom in the ring is bonded to two hydrogen atoms, the number of hydrogen atoms is twice the number of carbon atoms. Hence, the formula is H2n.

Explanation
The general formula CnH2n indicates that for every carbon atom in the cycloalkane ring, there are two hydrogen atoms. This ratio holds true for all cycloalkanes, regardless of the number of carbon atoms in the ring.

For example:
- Cyclopropane (C3H6) has 3 carbon atoms and 6 hydrogen atoms.
- Cyclobutane (C4H8) has 4 carbon atoms and 8 hydrogen atoms.
- Cyclopentane (C5H10) has 5 carbon atoms and 10 hydrogen atoms.

This general formula allows us to determine the molecular formula of any cycloalkane by simply knowing the number of carbon atoms in the ring. It helps in understanding the composition and properties of cycloalkanes, and it is a fundamental concept in organic chemistry.

In conclusion, the general formula of a cycloalkane is CnH2n, where 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms in the ring.

Top Courses for Class 11View all

Mathematics (Maths) Class 11

Chemistry Class 11

English Snapshot Class 11

CUET Science Subjects Mock Tests 2026

English Class 11

Top Courses for Class 11

Top Courses for Class 11

Related Content

Schools

Competitive Examinations

Quick Access Links

Technical Exams