Q. 6. What is a homologous series ? Explain with an example.
Answers
Answer:
A homologous series is a series of carbon compounds that have different numbers of carbon atoms but contain the same functional group. For example, methane, ethane, propane, butane, etc. are all part of the alkane homologous series. The general formula of this series is CnH2n+2.
Answer:
A series of carbon compounds in which same functional group substitutes the hydrogen atom is called a homologous series.
These compounds have similar chemical properties due to the addition of same kind of functional group throughout the chain.
For example, the series of alkanes i.e. Methane, ethane, propane, butane and so on is a homologous series.
Similarly the series of alkene and alkynes also forms homologous series.
Homologous series of alkenes are as follows:
Homologous series of alkynes are as follows:
The series like methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol and so on is also a homologous series. The functional group attached to these compounds is alcohol.
With the increase in molecular mass in a homologous series the physical properties like melting points, boiling points and solubility in a particular solvent increases.
But the chemical properties of a homologous series determined by the functional group remain same.