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Standard X
Chemistry
Homologous series
Define Homolo...
Question
Define homologous series?
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Solution
Homologous series:
A homologous series is a collection of compounds with the same general formula that differ only in the carbon chain length.
Compounds in a homologous series often have a fixed set of functional groups, resulting in chemical and physical properties that are comparable.
For example, homologous series of alkane: CH
4
, C
2
H
6
, C
3
H
8
, etc. are homologous.
They differ from each other by -CH
2
unit.
The characteristics of homologous series:
The functional group of the members of the homologous series is the same.
The general formula is the same for all members.
Members of homologous series have nearly identical chemical properties due to the same functional group.
Members of homologous series have a general method of preparation in common.
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Similar questions
Q.
(a) Define a homologous series. Give the name and structural formula of one homologue of the following:
CH
3
OH
(b) Write the molecular formula of the third member of the homologous series of carbon compounds with general formula C
n
H
2
n
+
1
OH.
(c) Name any two fossil fuels.