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Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Homologous Series and General Formulae

  • 3 things to know
  • Papers 2 and 3

Overview

What makes a homologous series, and the general formula of each of the main families.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started
Key term

What is a homologous series?

Key term

What two features do members of a homologous series share?

Key term

What is the general formula for alcohols?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is a homologous series?

    Model answer

    A series of organic compounds with the same functional group and similar chemical properties, where successive members differ by CH₂

  2. 2

    What two features do members of a homologous series share?

    Model answer

    The same functional group and the same general formula

  3. 3

    How does the molecular formula of successive members of a homologous series differ?

    Model answer

    By CH₂

  4. 4

    What is the general formula for alkanes?

    Model answer

    CₙH₂ₙ₊₂

  5. 5

    What is the general formula for alkenes?

    Model answer

    CₙH₂ₙ

  6. 6

    What is the general formula for alcohols?

    Model answer

    CₙH₂ₙ₊₁OH or CₙH₂ₙ₊₂O

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