Cycloalkane has the formula

Options

A. `C_(n)H_(2n+1)`
B. `C_(n)H_(2n-2)`
C. `C_(n)H_(2n)`
D. `C_(2n)H_(2)`

Answer

To determine the general formula for cycloalkanes, we can analyze the examples provided in the video transcript step by step.

### Step 1: Understanding Cycloalkanes
Cycloalkanes are a type of hydrocarbon that consists of carbon atoms arranged in a ring structure. They are saturated, meaning they contain only single bonds between carbon atoms.

### Step 2: Analyzing Examples
1. **Cyclopropane (C3H6)**:
- It has 3 carbon atoms.
- The number of hydrogen atoms is 6.

2. **Cyclobutane (C4H8)**:
- It has 4 carbon atoms.
- The number of hydrogen atoms is 8.

3. **Cyclopentane (C5H10)**:
- It has 5 carbon atoms.
- The number of hydrogen atoms is 10.

4. **Cyclohexane (C6H12)**:
- It has 6 carbon atoms.
- The number of hydrogen atoms is 12.

### Step 3: Identifying the Pattern
From the examples, we can observe a pattern in the number of hydrogen atoms relative to the number of carbon atoms:
- Cyclopropane: C3H6
- Cyclobutane: C4H8
- Cyclopentane: C5H10
- Cyclohexane: C6H12

### Step 4: Deriving the General Formula
From the pattern observed, we can derive a general formula for cycloalkanes. The number of hydrogen atoms can be expressed in terms of the number of carbon atoms (n):
- For n carbon atoms, the number of hydrogen atoms is given by the formula:
\[ \text{Hydrogens} = 2n \]

Thus, the general formula for cycloalkanes can be written as:
\[ C_nH_{2n} \]

### Conclusion
The general formula for cycloalkanes is:
\[ C_nH_{2n} \]