Homologous series 1

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

Natures Chemistry Hydrocarbons 7

Homologous series 2

Complete the following table.

Number of carbon atoms

in the molecule Formula

alkane 6

alkane 9

alkene 8

alkene 12

cycloalkane 7

cycloalkane 10

Complete the following THREE tables.

Name Formula b.p. / oC m.p. / oC State at 25 oC

methane

ethane

propane

butane

pentane

hexane

Name Formula b.p. / oC m.p. / oC State at 25 oC

ethene

propene

but-1-ene

pent-1-ene

hex-1-ene

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Homologous series 3

Name Formula 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?

Natures Chemistry Hydrocarbons 7