Organic Chemistry: Homologous series

Question 1

What is a homologous series?

Answer 1

group of similar organic compounds with similar chemical properties due to the presence of the same functional group

Question 2

What are the general characteristics of a homologous series? (4)

Answer 2

o all compounds fit the same general formula
o consecutive members differ by CH2
o as chain gets longer, compounds show a gradual change in physical properties
o similar chemical properties

Question 3

What is a structural isomer?

Answer 3

compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formula

Question 4

What is chain isomerism?

Answer 4

when the structure of the carbon skeleton differs

e.g. when there is a branched chain

Question 5

What is position isomerism?

Answer 5

when the position of the functional group differs - e.g. when the OH group in butan-1-ol is different when in butan-2-ol

Question 6

Draw 2 structural isomers of butanol

Answer 6

.

Question 7

Draw 2 structural isomers of propanol

Answer 7

.

Question 8

Draw a structural isomer of butane

Answer 8

.

Question 9

Draw a structural isomer of propanoic acid

Answer 9

.

Question 10

What is a functional group?

Answer 10

atom/group of atoms that gives an organic compound its particular chemical properties (e.g. -OH, -COOH)