Homologous Series

& Isomerism
Organic Chemistry part 2
 Class Objectives
● Identify a functional group as an atom or group of atoms that
determine the chemical properties of a homologous series.

● State the type of compound present given the chemical name

ending in -ane, -ene, -ol, or -oic acid or from a molecular or
displayed formula.
 Class Objectives
● Mention the features that define a homologous series such as
general formula and similar properties.
 Soooo…
There´s more stuff to
OChem
Homologous Series:
This is a series or family of organic compounds that have
similar features and chemical properties due to them
having the same functional group.
 But Teacher…
What do you mean by
“functional group”.
The functional group is a group of atoms which are
bonded in a specific arrangement that is responsible for
the characteristic reactions of each member of a
homologous series
Meet your new friends!
Characteristics of a
Homologous Series
All members of a homologous series have:

● The same general formula

● Same functional group
● Similar chemical properties
● Gradation in their physical properties, such as melting and
boiling point
● The difference in the molecular formula between one member
and the next is CH2
Characteristics of a
Homologous Series
They have their own
General Formula
Tells you the composition of any member of a whole homologous series.

For example, alkanes have CnH2n+2

 Alcohols
● Hydroxyl group (OH)
 Carboxylic Acids
● Carbonyl group (COOH)
 Let's give it a try
● What is the formula of an alcohol with 5 carbon atoms?
 How about this?
● A compound has the formula C12H24.
To which homologous series does this compound belong to?
 NOW!
Isomers

Same, same… But still different

Vocab Time!
● This diagram shows butane and methylpropane. (Methylpropane used to be
called iso-butane, but the correct name is methylpropane).

Both have a molecular formula of C4H10.

The structural formulae are different though, so they are isomers of each other.
Another Example
More Functional Groups
Position Matters