Homologous Series
A family of compounds sharing the same functional group and general formula, with successive members differing by CH₂.
Formula / equation
differ by −CH₂−
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
Members of a series show a gradual, predictable change in physical properties — boiling point and density rise steadily with chain length — while their chemical properties remain essentially the same. This lets the properties of an unknown member be interpolated with confidence.
Examples in the real world
Methane, ethane, propane and butane; methanol, ethanol and propan-1-ol.