General formula of acyclic alkanes (CnH2n+2)
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CnH2n+2
What each symbol means
| Symbol | What it stands for |
|---|---|
| n | Number of carbon atoms in the acyclic saturated chain (n ≥ 1) |
When to use this
Open-chain (acyclic) alkanes only. Each C is sp³ with single bonds; no rings. Cycloalkanes follow CnH2n (ring closes with one fewer H pair vs alkane).