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Homologous series

A homologous series is a family of organic compounds in which each member differs from the next by CH2. They share similar chemical properties and show a trend in physical properties.

Homologous series

Homologous series

  • A homologous series is a family of organic (carbon-based) compounds in which each member differs from the next by CH2.
  • The members of a homologous series all have the same general formula (e.g alkanes: CnH2n+2).
  • Members of a homologous series have the same functional group (e.g. alcohols: -OH).
Examples of homologous series

Examples of homologous series

  • Examples of homologous series are shown in the table above.
Chemical properties

Chemical properties

  • The chemical properties of organic molecules are determined by the functional group.
  • Therefore, all members of a homologous series have similar chemical properties as they have the same functional group.
Physical properties

Physical properties

  • Members of a homologous series show graduation in physical properties, such as boiling and melting point and solubility.
  • Boiling point increases as the carbon-chain length is increased within a homologous series, due to the increasing strength of London dispersion forces.
  • The different boiling points allow the compounds to be separated by distillation.
  • For example, petroleum, a mixture of mainly hydrocarbons, is separated into useful fractions using fractional distillation.
Physical properties cont.

Physical properties cont.

  • The table above shows how the boiling point increases as the carbon-chain length is increased within a homologous series of alkanes.
Jump to other topics
1

Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter

2

Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure

3

Structure - Classification of Matter

3.1

The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements

3.2

Periodic Trends

3.3

Group 1 Alkali Metals

3.4

Halogens

3.5

Noble gases, group 18

3.6

Functional Groups: Classification of Organic

3.7

Functional Group Chemistry

3.8

Alkanes

3.9

Alcohols

3.10

Halogenoalkanes

4

Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?

5

Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

6

Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change

7

Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis

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