Explanation:
To find the next term in the sequence \(1, 2, 6, 22, \ldots\), let's identify the pattern:

1. Calculate the differences between consecutive terms:
- \(2 - 1 = 1\)
- \(6 - 2 = 4\)
- \(22 - 6 = 16\)

2. Notice that the differences \(1, 4, 16\) are \(2^0, 2^2, 2^4\) respectively.

3. The next difference should be \(2^6 = 64\).

4. Add this difference to the last term:
- \(22 + 64 = 86\)

So, the next term in the sequence is 86.

Thus, the correct answer is:

C. 86