What is homeologous series? give characteristics of homologous series
Answers
Eg- alkane series
Answer:
definition of homologous series : -
A series of compounds of the same family in which each member has the same type of carbon skeleton and functional group, and differs from the next member by a constantndifference of one methylene group (- CH_2 - )nin its molecular and structural formula is called as homologous series. An individual member of a homologous series is called homologue.
Characteristics of homologous series are :
(1) Each member of the homologous series can be represented by a general formula.
(2) Homologues have same functional groups and similar chemical properties.
(3) Two successive homologues differ by one-CH_2 (methylene) unit and hence molecular weight of each successive member differs by 14.
(4) All the members of a homologous series can be prepared by similar methods.
(5) Physical properties (like melting point, boiling point, density) of the homologues show a gradual change with increase in the molecular weight of the member. Example : Homologous series of alcohols have general formula C_n H_2n+_1OH.