Which statement is true about the general formula for saturated alcohols?

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Study for the IGCSE Organic Chemistry Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and detailed explanations. Prepare effectively to excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which statement is true about the general formula for saturated alcohols?

Explanation:
The general formula for saturated alcohols is CnH2n+2O. This comes from the alkane formula CnH2n+2, and replacing one hydrogen with a hydroxyl group (-OH). The OH adds one oxygen and one hydrogen, so the hydrogen count remains 2n+2, giving the same H as the alkane but with one O. If there were two -OH groups, the formula would be CnH2n+2O2, which is a diol, not a single alcohol. Writing CnH2n+1OH is not the standard way to express the general form, even though it describes the same atom counts.

The general formula for saturated alcohols is CnH2n+2O. This comes from the alkane formula CnH2n+2, and replacing one hydrogen with a hydroxyl group (-OH). The OH adds one oxygen and one hydrogen, so the hydrogen count remains 2n+2, giving the same H as the alkane but with one O. If there were two -OH groups, the formula would be CnH2n+2O2, which is a diol, not a single alcohol. Writing CnH2n+1OH is not the standard way to express the general form, even though it describes the same atom counts.

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