1. The problem is to find the general molecular formula for alkanols. 2. Alkanols, also known as alcohols, are organic compounds derived from alkanes by replacing one hydrogen atom with a hydroxyl group (-OH). 3. The general formula for alkanes is $C_nH_{2n+2}$, where $n$ is the number of carbon atoms. 4. When one hydrogen atom is replaced by an -OH group, the formula changes because the -OH group adds one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom but removes one hydrogen atom from the alkane. 5. Therefore, the general molecular formula for alkanols is: $$C_nH_{2n+2 - 1 + 1}O = C_nH_{2n+1}O$$ 6. In simpler terms, the formula is $C_nH_{2n+1}O$, where $n \geq 1$. 7. This formula represents a molecule with $n$ carbon atoms, $2n+1$ hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. Final answer: The general molecular formula for alkanols is $C_nH_{2n+1}O$.