General formula
What General formula means in Chemistry A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of General formula
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Reference: OCR
The formula of a homologous series into which the value of n is substituted to predict the formula of any member of the series.
The simplest algebraic formula of a member of a homologous series, written using the letter n for the number of carbon atoms.
For an alkene with one double bond, CₙH₂ₙ, which is two hydrogens fewer than the alkane with the same number of carbons.
A formula in terms of n that all members of the series fit, such as CₙH₂ₙ₊₂ for alkanes.
Applies to a homologous series, such as CₙH₂ₙ₊₂ for alkanes.
Topics that use General formula
- Nomenclature (AQA A-Level)
- Structure, bonding and reactivity (AQA A-Level)
- Basic concepts of organic chemistry (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Displayed formula
- Homologous series
- Molecular formula
- Alphabetical ordering of substituents
- alphabetical prefixes
- Aromatic compound
- carboxyl group
- Characteristic reactions
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