General formula of alkyl group is

Options

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

Answer

To determine the general formula of an alkyl group, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Alkane Structure
Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula \( C_nH_{2n+2} \). This formula indicates that for every carbon atom (n), there are \( 2n + 2 \) hydrogen atoms.

### Step 2: Define Alkyl Group
An alkyl group is derived from an alkane by removing one hydrogen atom. This means that we need to adjust the formula of the alkane to reflect this removal.

### Step 3: Remove One Hydrogen Atom
Starting from the alkane formula \( C_nH_{2n+2} \), we remove one hydrogen atom. This gives us:
\[ C_nH_{2n+2} - H = C_nH_{(2n+2) - 1} = C_nH_{2n + 1} \]

### Step 4: Write the General Formula of Alkyl Group
After removing one hydrogen atom, the general formula for the alkyl group becomes:
\[ C_nH_{2n + 1} \]

### Step 5: Identify the Correct Option
From the options provided:
1. \( C_nH_{2n} \)
2. \( C_nH_{2n + 2} \)
3. \( C_nH_{2n + 1} \) (This is the correct answer)
4. \( C_nH_{2n - 1} \)

The correct answer is option 3: \( C_nH_{2n + 1} \).

### Final Answer
The general formula of an alkyl group is \( C_nH_{2n + 1} \).

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