What is a homologous series of carbon compounds

• Carbon & its Compounds (C10)

What is a homologous series of carbon compounds ? Give an example and list its three characteristics.

Answer

A series of compounds in which the same functional group substitutes for hydrogen in a carbon chain is called a homologous series.

Example: Alkane / Alkene / Alkyne / Alcohol

Characteristics:

1. They have same general formula

2. They have same functional group

3. The difference in the molecular mass of two successive member in 14μ

4. The difference in the molecular formula of two successive member is of CH₂ unit

5. They have similar chemical properties