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| Hydrocarbons - Homologous Series |
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| Homologous series is a series of organic compounds having the same general formula, arranged in an ascending order of their molecular masses. |
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| Each member of the series is called homologue. |
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 All homologues of a series have the same general formula e.g., all alkanes have the general formula CnH2n+2. |
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 Each consecutive member differs from the next by one carbon atom and two hydrogen atoms (-CH2 group). |
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 The difference in the molecular mass between two consecutive homologues is 14 amu. |
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 The physical properties of homologues show a regular gradation. |
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 Homologues of a series have similar chemical properties. |
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 Homologues of a series have similar methods of preparation. |
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| The study of organic compounds becomes easier with the knowledge of homologous series. The study of a vast number of organic compounds become restricted to the study of a few series of homologues. |
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| Alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, aldehydes, carboxylic acids etc. form separate homologous series. |
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