Properties of chemical compounds within a homologous series:
- Members within the same homologous series have same functional group if present. As for example, all alcohols have the functional group –OH.
- Two consecutive members of the same homologous series differ by a –CH2
- Members within the same homologous series can be represented by a general formula. For example, the general formula of alkenes is CnH2n.
- The chemical reactions of organic compounds are mainly controlled by their functional groups. Hence, compounds of the same homologous series give similar reactions.
- With increase in molecular mass, physical properties of compounds within the same homologous series steadily increases.
- The general method of preparation for organic compounds is same within a homologous series.