Homologous series

In chemistry, a homologous series is a series of organic compounds with a similar general formula, possessing similar chemical properties due to the presence of the same functional group, and shows a gradation in physical properties as a result of increase in molecular size and mass (see relative molecular mass). For example, ethane has a higher boiling point than methane since it has more Van der Waals forces(intermolecular forces) with neighbouring molecules. This is due to the increase in the number of atoms making up the molecule. Organic compounds in the same homologous series vary by a CH₂.

Alkanes (paraffins), alkenes (olefins), methoxyethane (ethers), and alkynes (acetylenes) form such series in which members differ in mass by 14 atomic mass units. For example, the alkane homologous series begins with methane (CH₄), ethane (C₂H₆), propane (C₃H₈), butane (C₄H₁₀), and pentane (C₅H₁₂), each member differing from the previous one by a CH₂ group (or 14 atomic mass units).

Similarly, there is the alcohol homologous series that starts with methanol (CH₄O), ethanol (C₂H₆O), as primary alcohols, isopropanol (C₃H₈O) as a simple secondary alcohol, and a simple tertiary alcohol is tert-butanol (C₄H₁₀O).

Even while the "general formula" are the same, they have different structures that can lead the exact same compound to different properties, although they will always present the same chemical properties while as a homologous compound.

Compounds in each set have the same little group of atoms called the functional group. Most chemical properties of organic compounds are due to the presence of the functional group.

Homologous series	General formula	Example	Functional group
Straight Chain Alkanes	C"n"H2"n" + 2 ("n" ≥ 1)	CH4, "n" = 1
Alkyl	C"n"H2"n" + 1 ("n" ≥ 1)	CH3, "n" = 1
Alkenes and Cyclic Alkanes	C"n"H2"n" ("n" ≥ 2)	C2H4, "n" = 2	C = C
Alkynes	C"n"H2"n" − 2 (n ≥ 2)	C2H2, "n" = 2	C ≡ C
Alcohols	C"n"H2"n" + 1OH ("n" ≥ 1)	CH4O, "n" = 1	- OH
Carboxylic acids	C"n"H2"n"O2 ("n" ≥ 1)	CH2O2, "n" = 1	- COOH
Carbohydrates	C"n"(H"2"O)"n" ("n" ≥ 1)	C6H12O6

Where "n" represents the number of carbon atoms present.

A Homologation reaction is any chemical process converting one member of a homologues series to the next.