Question

what is homologous series of carbon compounds ? give an example and list its three characteristics.​

Answer 1

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.

Methane CH4

Ethane CH3CH3

Propane CH3CH2CH3

Butane CH3CH2CH2CH3

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

Answer 2

homologous series refers to the series representing a family of compounds in an increasing order: for example the homologous series of alcohols:-

• Methanol (CH3OH)
• Ethanol (CH3CH2OH)
• Propanol(CH3CH2CH2OH)
• Butanol(CH3CH2CH2CH2OH) etc.

Characteristics:-

1. All the members of the homologous series can be represented by a general formula (here:- C(n)H(2n-1)OH)
2. They have similar chemical properties..based on the functional group attached to them
3. The process employed for producing the members of same homologous series is generally same