Which molecular formula represents an acyclic alkane (a saturated hydrocarbon with no rings or pi bonds)?

• A. $C_5{H}_8$
• B. $C_5{H}_{12}$
• C. $C_5{H}_{10}$
• D. $C_6{H}_{12}$

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the general molecular formula for acyclic alkanes, which are saturated hydrocarbons with no rings or double bonds. This formula is given by \(C_nH_{2n+2}\), where \(n\) is the number of carbon atoms.
2. Identify the number of carbon atoms in the given options. For example, if the formula is \(C_5H_x\), then \(n=5\).
3. Apply the formula \(H = 2n + 2\) to find the number of hydrogen atoms for an acyclic alkane with 5 carbons: \(H = 2(5) + 2\).
4. Calculate the expected number of hydrogens without finalizing the number, to check which molecular formula matches the acyclic alkane pattern.
5. Compare the given molecular formulas to the calculated formula to determine which one represents an acyclic alkane.