- A homologous series is a group of compounds with the same functional group and similar chemical properties.
- Successive members differ by one CH₂ (methylene) unit, increasing the molecular mass by 14 u.
- All members of a homologous series follow the same general molecular formula (e.g., alkanes CnH2n+2).
- Physical properties such as boiling and melting points show a gradual change with increasing molecular mass.
- Knowing the properties of a few members helps predict the properties of other members in the series.
Definitions [5]
Definition: Inorganic Chemistry
The branch of chemistry that deals with compounds obtained from non-living sources or minerals, such as common salt, blue vitriol, and nitrates.
Definition: Organic Chemistry
The branch of chemistry that deals with compounds originally derived from living organisms, such as sugar, starch, proteins, and acetic acid.
Define Homologous series.
A series of compounds with similar chemical properties, in which members differ from one another by an additional CH2 group, is called a homologous series.
Definition: Homologous Series
The same functional group substitutes for hydrogen in a carbon chain is called a homologous series.
OR
A homologous series is a group of organic compounds having similar structure and similar chemical properties in which the successive compounds differ by a CH2 group.
OR
The series of compounds formed by joining the same functional group in the place of a particular hydrogen atom on the chains having sequentially increasing length is called homologous series.
Definition: Isomers
Compounds having the same molecular formula but different structural formula are known as Isomers and the phenomenon is known as Isomerism. (iso = same, meros = parts).
Key Points
Key Points: Homologous Series
Concepts [23]
- Organic Chemistry
- Tetravalence of Carbon - Shapes of Organic Compounds
- Some Characteristic Features of π Bonds
- Structural Representation of Organic Compounds
- Complete, Condensed and Bond-line Structural Formulas
- Three-dimensional Representation of Organic Molecules
- Classification of Organic Compounds
- Homologous Series
- The IUPAC System of Nomenclature
- IUPAC Nomenclature of Alkanes
- Nomenclature of Organic Compounds having Functional Group(s)
- Nomenclature of Substituted Benzene Compounds
- Isomerism
- Fission of a Covalent Bond
- Substrate and Reagent
- Electron Movement in Organic Reactions
- Electron Displacement Effects in Covalent Bonds
- Inductive Effect
- Resonance Effect
- Electromeric Effect (E Effect)
- Hyperconjugation
- Nucleophiles and Electrophiles
- Types of Organic Reactions and Mechanisms
