Question

What is a homologous series?

What is a homologous series? Explain with an example.

Answer 1

Homologous series is a group of organic compounds with a similar structure and similar chemical properties in which the successive compounds differ by a CH2 group.

Answer 2

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 C_nH_2n+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.