1.

What is an homologous series? Explain with an example.

Answer»

i. A series of carbon compounds having the same functional group, similar chemical properties and the successive members differing from each other in their molecular formula by a -CH2- (methylene) unit is called homologous series.

ii. Homologous series of alkanes: All alkanes have same general formula CnH2n+2 (where n = 1, 2, 3, ....) and they show similar chemical properties. The first member of the series is methane (CH4). The next succeeding member of the series is ethane (C2H6) and it differs by a -CH2- unit. The first five members of homologous series of alkanes are listed in the following table:

Value
of ‘n’
Name of
compound
Molecular
formula
1MethaneCH4
2EthaneC2H6
3PropaneC3H8
4ButaneC4H10
5PentaneC5H12



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