General formula in organic chemistry
General formula in organic chemistry
Formula
Alkanes: CₙH₂ₙ₊₂; Alkenes: CₙH₂ₙ; Alcohols: CₙH₂ₙ₊₁OH
Real World
Oil refineries like those operated by Shell use general formulae to predict the composition of hydrocarbon fractions — knowing a C₈ alkane must be C₈H₁₈ helps engineers calculate combustion ratios for octane-rated petrol.
Exam Focus
Memorise general formulae for all six common homologous series — questions often require you to deduce the molecular formula from n.
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