what is the general formula for haloalkanes ?(X=halogen atom, n=1,2,3,...)

Options

A. `C_nH_(2n)X`
B. `C_nH_(2n+1)X`
C. `C_nH_(2n-1)X`
D. `C_nH_(2n-3)X`

Answer

To determine the general formula for haloalkanes, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Components
Haloalkanes are organic compounds that contain carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and at least one halogen atom (X, where X can be F, Cl, Br, or I).

### Step 2: Identify the Carbon Atoms
Let’s denote the number of carbon atoms in the haloalkane as 'n'. The value of 'n' can be 1, 2, 3, and so on.

### Step 3: Determine the Hydrogen Atoms
For each carbon atom in a saturated haloalkane, the general formula for the number of hydrogen atoms is given by the formula:
\[ \text{Hydrogens} = 2n + 1 \]
This is because each carbon can bond with two hydrogen atoms, and there is an additional hydrogen atom for the presence of the halogen.

### Step 4: Include the Halogen Atom
Since haloalkanes contain one halogen atom, we denote it as 'X'. Therefore, the general formula for haloalkanes can be expressed as:
\[ \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n + 1}\text{X} \]

### Step 5: Write the Final General Formula
Putting it all together, the general formula for haloalkanes is:
\[ \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n + 1}\text{X} \]

### Example
- For \( n = 1 \): The formula becomes \( \text{CH}_3\text{X} \) (methyl halide).
- For \( n = 2 \): The formula becomes \( \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{X} \) (ethyl halide).

### Final Answer
The general formula for haloalkanes is:
\[ \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n + 1}\text{X} \]

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