Here's why:
* Cyclohexane Formula: C6H12
* General Alkane Formula: CnH2n+2
If we plug in n=6 (for 6 carbon atoms) into the alkane formula, we get:
* C6H2(6)+2 = C6H14
However, cyclohexane has two fewer hydrogen atoms than a straight-chain alkane with 6 carbons (hexane). This is because the cyclic structure forms a ring, eliminating the need for two hydrogen atoms that would be present in a straight chain.
Therefore, cyclohexane shares the same general formula as alkanes, but its structure is different, making it a cycloalkane.