What is a homologous series? Explain with an example.

What is a homologous series? Explain with an example.

Ans - The series of compounds, which has the same Chemical properties, functional group and each successive member is differ by −CH2− unit or 14 amu by mass is called homologous series.

For example, methane, ethane, propane, butane, etc. are all part of the alkane homologous series. The general formula of this series is CnH2n+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.