Cycloalkanes are hydrocarbons that consist of a ring of carbons with single carbon-carbon bonds. As they contain only carbon and hydrogen they are also not very soluble in water. They generally have slightly higher boiling points than alkanes.

The first 4 clycloalkanes have a different number of carbons to the first 4 alkanes as there MUST be a carbon ring. The minimum number of carbons needed to complete a ring is 3.

Molecular formula shows the number and type of atoms present in a molecule, remember that for alkenes they will follow the general formula from before.

1

What is the general formula of cycloalkanes?

2

What is the name of the cycloalkane with the shortest possible carbon chain (the first cycloalkane)?

3

What is the molecular formula of cyclohexane?

4

The boiling point point of pentane is 36°C, estimate what the boiling point of cyclopentane is.

5

How does solubility of cycloalkanes change with chain length?