Series of compounds which have a common general formula and in which each member differs from the next member by a constant unit, which is the methylene group (-CH2-) is called the homologous series. Members of a homologous series are called homolog.
An example of the homologous series with some of their homologs are given below. Straight chain alkanes having general formula CnH2n+2
Structure | Name |
---|---|
CH4 | methane |
CH3-CH3 | ethane |
CH3-CH2-CH3 | propane |
CH3-CH2CH2CH3 | butane |
CH3-(CH2)3-CH3 | pentane |
CH3-(CH2)4-CH3 | hexane |
CH3-(CH2)5-CH3 | heptane |
CH3-(CH2)6-CH3 | octane |
CH3-(CH2)7-CH3 | nonane |
CH3-(CH2)8-CH3 | decane |
Generalic, Eni. "Homologous series." Croatian-English Chemistry Dictionary & Glossary. 29 June 2022. KTF-Split. {Date of access}. <https://glossary.periodni.com>.
Glossary
Periodic Table