Question
Science Question on Chemical Properties Of Carbon Compounds
What is an homologous series? Explain with an example.
Answer
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.