Homologous series

A homologous series is a family of compounds that can be represented by a general

formula.
The general formula for the alkanes is C n H 2n+2 . Each of the alkanes has two hydrogen
atoms for every carbon atom plus two hydrogen atoms at the end.
The general formula for the alkenes is CnH2n. Each of the alkenes has two hydrogen
atoms less than the alkanes due to the double (rather than the single) covalent bond.
The general formula for the cycloalkanes is also C n H 2n . Each of the cycloalkanes has
two hydrogen atoms less than the corresponding alkane due to the bond that closes the ring.
Successive members in a series differ in formula by a CH2 group and as a result the
relative formula masses differ by 14.
Physical properties, e.g. boiling point, show a gradual change from one member to the next.
Chemical properties of compounds in the one homologous series are very similar, e.g.
alkenes react with bromine. However, chemical properties can be used to distinguish
between hydrocarbons in different series, e.g. although alkenes and cycloalkanes have the
same general formula, alkenes react with bromine but cycloalkanes do not.

What is meant by a homologous series?

Complete the following table.

Family

General formula

alkanes
alkenes
cycloalkanes

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Hydrocarbons 7

Homologous series

Complete the following table.

Number of carbon atoms
in the molecule
alkane

alkane

alkene

alkene

12

cycloalkane

cycloalkane

10

Formula

Complete the following THREE tables.

Name

Formula

b.p. / oC

m.p. / oC

State at 25 oC

Formula

b.p. / oC

m.p. / oC

State at 25 oC

methane
ethane
propane
butane
pentane
hexane

Name
ethene
propene
but-1-ene
pent-1-ene
hex-1-ene

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Hydrocarbons 7

Homologous series
Name

Formula

3
b.p. / oC

m.p. / oC

State at 25 oC

cyclopropane
cyclobutane
cyclopentane
cyclohexane

In each of the following lists of hydrocarbons identify the one that is in a different
homologous series from the others.
ethane

butene

methane

octane

C3H8

CH4

C7H14

C12H26

C2H4

C6H12

CH4

C4H8

Cycloalkenes are hydrocarbons with one

carbon to carbon double bond.

cyclohexene

What is the general formula for the cycloalkene homologous series?

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Hydrocarbons 7