Question

what are Homologous series of compounds with examples? What are the characteristics of a homologous series?

Answer 1

In organic chemistry homologous series is a series of compounds with the same general formula usually varying by a single parameter such as the length of a carbon chain. Some examples-- The straight chained alkanes (paraffin) and some of their derivatives such as primary alcohols, aldehydes and (mono) carboxylic acid, the single ring cycloalkanes from another such series.

CHARACTERISTICS OF HOMOLOGOUS SERIES
1. All the members of the series can be represented by some general formula
2. All the compounds of series show similar chemical properties
3. The difference in the molecular masses of any two homologous is 14u.

Answer 2

Answer:

• A homologous series is a series of compounds, which has the same functional group.
• This also contains similar general formula and chemical properties. Since there is a change in the physical properties, we can say that there would be an increase in the molecular size and mass.

Examples:-

Methane, ethane, propane, butane, etc. are all part of the alkane homologous series.

The general formula of this series is CnH2n+2.

• Methane CH4
• Ethane CH3CH3
• Propane CH3CH2CH3
• Butane CH3CH2CH2CH3.

It can be noticed that there is a difference of −CH2 unit between each successive compound.