The general molecular formula, which represents the homologous series of alkanols is

Options

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

Answer

To determine the general molecular formula for the homologous series of alkanols (also known as alcohols), we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Alkanols**: Alkanols are organic compounds that contain one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to a carbon atom. The simplest alkanol is methanol (CH3OH).

2. **Identifying the Components**: In alkanols, the general structure can be represented as:
- **C**: Number of carbon atoms
- **H**: Number of hydrogen atoms
- **O**: Number of oxygen atoms (specifically from the hydroxyl group)

3. **Establishing the Formula**:
- For alkanols, the general formula can be derived from the alkane formula (CnH2n+2) by replacing one hydrogen atom with a hydroxyl group (-OH).
- Therefore, the general formula for alkanols becomes:
- CnH2n+1OH or CnH2n+2O (since -OH contributes one oxygen and one hydrogen).

4. **Verifying with Examples**:
- For n = 1 (Methanol): C1H2(1)+2O = CH4O (Methanol)
- For n = 2 (Ethanol): C2H2(2)+2O = C2H6O (Ethanol)
- For n = 3 (Propanol): C3H2(3)+2O = C3H8O (Propanol)

5. **Conclusion**: The general molecular formula for the homologous series of alkanols is CnH2n+1OH or CnH2n+2O.

### Final Answer:
The general molecular formula that represents the homologous series of alkanols is **CnH2n+2O**.