What does the subscript n on methylene groups in a cyclic alkene mean? I've recently come across an unfamiliar notation on a cyclic alkane. One carbon had parentheses around it with a subscript $n$. Does this refer to rings of variable sizes (i.e.  one or more $\ce{CH2}$ groups are located in this position)? If not, what does this refer to?
Yes, n denotes the number of $\ce{CH2}$ groups between the parentheses.

Example:


n = 1, 2 or 4 means cyclopentane, cyclohexane, or cyclooctane.