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Question
What is a homologous series? Explain with an example.
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Solution
- A group of compounds having similar structures and chemical properties but their successive compounds differ by a CH2 group is called a homologous series.
- Example: Alkanes have similar structures and similar chemical properties, so they can be grouped together to form a homologous series. The general formula of the homologous series of alkanes is CnH2n+2, where n is the number of carbon atoms in each molecule.
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RELATED QUESTIONS
What is meant by homologous series of carbon compounds?
Classify the following carbon compounds into two homologous series and name them.
C3H4, C3H6, C4H6, C4H8, C5H8, C5H10
The following vegetables are kept in a basket :
Potato, Tomato, Radish, Brinjal, Carrot, Bottle-gourd
Which two of these vegetables correctly represent the homologous structures?
(A) Carrot and Tomato
(B) Potato and Brinjal
(C) Radish and Carrot
(D) Radish and Bottle-gourd
Fill in the following blank with suitable word:
Ethene and ethyne are examples of ..... hydrocarbons.
Give the molecular formula of one homologue of the following:
C3H6
By how many carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms do any two adjacent homologues differ?
Write the molecular formula of the third member of the homologous series of carbon compounds with general formula CnHO2n+1OH.
The number of carbon atoms present in the molecule of fifth member of the homologous series of alkynes is:
(a) four
(b) five
(c) six
(d) seven
A colourless organic liquid X of molecular formula C2H4O2 turns blue litmus to red. Another colourless organic liquid Y of molecular formula C3H6O has no action on any litmus but it is used as a nail polish remover. A yet another colourless organic liquid Z of molecular formula C2H6O has also no action on litmus but it is used in tincture of iodine.
(a) Name the liquid X. To which homologous series does it belong? Give the name of another member of this homologous series.
(b) Name the liquid Y. To which homologous series does it belong? Write the name of another member of this homologous series.
(c) Can you name an organic compound having the same molecular formula as liquid Y but which belongs to a different homologous series? What is this homologous series?
(d) Name the liquid Z. To which homologous series does it belong? Write the name of another member of this homologous series.
What is homologous series ?
Distinguish between homologous organs and analogous organs. In which category would you place wings of a bird and wings of a bat? Justify your answer giving a suitable reason.
Write names of first four homologous series of alcohols.

Find the odd one out and give its explanation.
Complete the following table for homologous series of alcohols.
| Name | Molecular formula | Condensed structural formula | Number of carbon atom | Number of -CH2- units | Boiling point °C |
| Methanol | CH4O | CH3-OH | 1 | 1 | 63 |
| Ethanol | C2H6O | CH3–CH2-OH | 2 | 2 | 78 |
| Propanol | C3H8O | CH3–CH2–CH2-OH | ______ | ______ | 97 |
| Butanol | C4H10O | CH3–CH2–CH2–CH2–OH | ______ | ______ | 118 |
Complete the following table for homologous series of Alkenes.
| Name | Molecular formula | Condensed structural formula | Number of carbon atom | Number of -CH2- units | Boiling point °C |
| Ethene | C2H4 | CH2 = CH2 | 2 | 0 | -102 |
| Propene | C3H6 | CH3–CH = CH2 | 3 | 1 | -48 |
| 1-Butene | C4H8 | CH3–CH2–CH = CH2 | ______ | ______ | -6.5 |
| 1-Pentene | C5H10 | CH3–CH2–CH2–CH = CH2 | ______ | ______ | 30 |
Successive members of a homologous series vary by how many atomic mass unit?
Define Homologous series.
Consider the carbon compounds having following molecular formula:
(i) C3H6 (ii) C3H8 (iii) C4H6 (iv) C6H6 (v) C6H12
- State the number of double covalent bonds present in C3H8.
- Write the formula of first member of the homologous series to which the carbon compound C4H6 belongs.
- Which one of the above compounds forms a ring structure of carbon atoms?
- Identify, which of the above compounds, is a member of alkane series.
