Question

Write a short note.

Homologous series

Answer 1

1. The series of carbon compounds formed by joining the same functional group in the place of a particular hydrogen atom on the carbon chains having sequentially increasing length is called homologous series.
2. There are different homologous series in accordance with the functional group. For example, homologous series of alcohols, homologous series of carboxylic acids, homologous series of aldehydes, etc.
3. All the members of the homologous series are homologues of each other and they can be represented by the same general molecular formula.
4. Physical properties generally show a gradual change with the increase in molecular mass in the series whereas chemical properties of the members of the series show similarity because of the presence of the same functional group in them.