14.3Homologous series

Homologous series

Homologous series: ‘family’ of similar compounds with similar properties due to the presence of the same functional group.

Characteristics of a homologous series:

-all the compounds fit the same general formula

-the chain length increases by 1 each time

-as the chain gets longer, the compounds show a gradual change in properties.

Structural isomers: have the same chemical formula, but different structures, they can be straight or branched.