homologous series

Question 1

what is a homologous series

Answer 1

a family of organic compounds with the same functional group but a different carbon chain length. they have the same general formula and each member differs to the next by a CH2 group.

Question 2

what is a functional group

Answer 2

the part of the organic molecule responsible for its chemical reactions

Question 3

what is a general formula

Answer 3

the simplest algebraic formula of a member of a homologous series

Question 4

how does the length of the carbon chain affect reactivity

Answer 4

length of the carbon chain has little effect on the reactivity on the functional group. it will, however, affect physical properties such as melting point, boiling point and solubility

Question 5

name the different homologous series

Answer 5

alkane
alkene
arene
cycloalkane
alcohols
cycloalkene

Question 6

alkane

Answer 6

all the c-c bonds are single. the general formula is CnH2n+2. they are saturated

Question 7

alkene

Answer 7

has at least one c=c double bond. the general formula is CnH2n. they are unsaturated.

Question 8

what is a benzene

Answer 8

an organic chemical compound with the formula C6H6. the benzene molecule is composed of six carbon atoms joined in a planar hexagonal ring with one hydrogen attached to each.

Question 9

what is the benzene ring

Answer 9

a ring of six carbon atoms with each carbon atom forming a single bond with a hydrogen atom. the ring is a sea of delocalised electrons

Question 10

what is an aliphatic hydrocarbon

Answer 10

a hydrocarbon with carbon atoms joined together in straight or branched chains. no ring structures

Question 11

what is an aromatic hydrocarbon

Answer 11

a hydrocarbon with one or more benzene rings

Question 12

what is a cycloalkane

Answer 12

where carbon atoms on ends link up together to form a loop. they have the same general formula as alkenes (CnH2n)