Question

Write the molecular and structural formula of a cyclic hydrocarbon whose molecule contains 8 atoms of carbon.

Answer 1

The molecular formula of the cyclic hydrocarbon is C₈H₁₆, as it satisfies the general formula of a cyclic hydrocarbon, i.e. C_nH_2n, where n is the number of carbon atoms in its one molecule. Also, it is already given that the hydrocarbon contains 8 carbon atoms (n = 8) arranged in the form of a closed ring; therefore, it will be called a cyclooctane.