What is the general formula of an alkane?

1 Answer
anor277
Dec 15, 2016

C_nH_(2n+2).

Explanation:

C_nH_(2n+2) is the generic alkane.........

Try it out........."methane, C=1",............"decane, C=10"

With respect to this formula, it is often useful to calculate the degree of unsaturation possessed by any given organic formula. Once you calculate this, for a specified formula you can predict how many unsaturated bonds, C=O, C=C, C=N, how many ring junctions etc. a given formula is likely to possess.

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