Sorting organic compounds
Carbon can form four covalent bonds, giving rise to many carbon compounds. It is easier to study these compounds by grouping them together into a homologous series A family of organic compounds with the same general formula and in which each members differs by a CH2unit. They show a gradation in physical properties and have similar chemical properties..
In a homologous series.
- they have the same general formula
- their molecular formulae differ by CH2
- they show a gradual variation in physical properties, such as their boiling points.
- they have similar chemical properties.
For GCSE Single Award you will study 2 different homologous series:
- the alkane Saturated hydrocarbon with the general formula CnH2n+2
- the alkene Unsaturated hydrocarbon containing at least one C=C and with the general formula CnH2n