Question

The general molecular formula, which represent the homologous series of alkanols is:
A. ${C_n}{H_{2n}}{O_2}$
B. ${C_n}{H_{2n}}O$
C. ${C_n}{H_{2n + 1}}O$
D. \[{C_n}{H_{2n + 2}}O\]

Answer 1

Hint: Alkanols are the members of the alcohol organic group with O, H and C as their constituents. Homologous series is the representation of the series of compounds having similar functional groups in their structures and exhibiting similar chemical properties.

Complete step by step answer:
${C_n}{H_{2n}}{O_2}$: It is the chemical formula for the open carboxylic chain. Carboxylic groups contain two functional groups OH (hydroxyl) and CO (carbonyl) groups in their structure. E.g. ${C_2}{H_4}{O_2}$, here $n = 2$.
${C_n}{H_{2n}}O$: It is a chemical formula for aldehyde and ketones. They are generally produced from their precursor carboxylic acid and contain double bonds between carbon and oxygen. E.g. ${C_2}{H_4}O$, here $n = 2$.
${C_n}{H_{2n + 1}}O$: It is the chemical formula for alkyl groups. E.g. ${C_2}{H_5}$, here $n = 2$.
\[{C_n}{H_{2n + 2}}O\]: It is the chemical formula for Alkanols. They are they are hydroxyl group (OH) containing alkanes.eg: if n=4 then structure based on the formula would be ${C_4}{H_{10}}O$.\[\]

So, the correct answer is Option D .

Note:
Alkanols can be classified further as primary, secondary and tertiary alkanols depending upon the number of alkyl groups attached having the hydroxyl group (OH) with them. They are the best suitable for being used as fuels as they have high energy production when undergone complete combustion in the presence of oxygen to produce oxygen and carbon dioxide as products.
Note: Alkanols are the representation for the compound containing the hydroxyl group (OH) attached to the alkyl group. They are represented using the formula \[{C_n}{H_{2n + 2}}O\], where n represents the number of the particular elements involved.