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Question
What is a homologous series? State any four characteristics of a homologous series?
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Solution
Homologous series is a series of compounds with similar chemical properties and the same functional group differing from the successive member by −CH2.
Example: The homologous series of straight-chain alkanes can be represented by the general formula CnH2n+2
Thus the first four members of alkane homologous series are CH4 (methane),
CH3−CH3 (Ethane), CH3−CH2−CH3 (propane) and CH3−CH2−CH2−CH3 (butane).
Characteristics of a homologous series are:
(i) Each member of the series can be represented by a general formula.
(ii) All the members of the series can be prepared by the same general methods.
(iii) Physical properties change throughout the series in a regular way.
(iv) Members of homologous series have similar chemical properties.
Homologous series is a series of compounds with similar chemical properties and the same functional group differing from the successive member by −CH2.
Example: The homologous series of straight-chain alkanes can be represented by the general formula CnH2n+2
Thus the first four members of alkane homologous series are CH4 (methane),
CH3−CH3 (Ethane), CH3−CH2−CH3 (propane) and CH3−CH2−CH2−CH3 (butane).
Characteristics of a homologous series are:
(i) Each member of the series can be represented by a general formula.
(ii) All the members of the series can be prepared by the same general methods.
(iii) Physical properties change throughout the series in a regular way.
(iv) Members of homologous series have similar chemical properties.
Example: The homologous series of straight-chain alkanes can be represented by the general formula CnH2n+2
Thus the first four members of alkane homologous series are CH4 (methane),
CH3−CH3 (Ethane), CH3−CH2−CH3 (propane) and CH3−CH2−CH2−CH3 (butane).
Characteristics of a homologous series are:
(i) Each member of the series can be represented by a general formula.
(ii) All the members of the series can be prepared by the same general methods.
(iii) Physical properties change throughout the series in a regular way.
(iv) Members of homologous series have similar chemical properties.
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