Examples of Homologous Series

Oct 13, 2025 by pynkocean.com 92 views

Chemistry is a vast and fascinating field that deals with the study of matter, its properties, and the changes it undergoes. One of the fundamental concepts in chemistry is the homologous series, which is a group of compounds that have similar chemical properties and structures. In this article, we will explore the concept of homologous series and how to write the molecular formula of a given compound.

What are Homologous Series?

Homologous series are a group of compounds that have similar chemical properties and structures. They are characterized by a repeating pattern of atoms, usually carbon and hydrogen, which are arranged in a specific sequence. The members of a homologous series differ from each other by a fixed number of atoms, usually one or two, which are added or removed from the parent compound.

Examples of Homologous Series

There are several examples of homologous series in chemistry, including:

Alkanes (CnH2n+2)
Alkenes (CnH2n)
Alkynes (CnH2n-2)
Alcohols (CnH2n+1OH)
Ethers (CnH2n+1OR)

Writing the Molecular Formula of a Compound

To write the molecular formula of a compound, we need to know the number of atoms of each element present in the compound. The molecular formula is a representation of the number of atoms of each element present in one molecule of the compound.

Step 1: Identify the Parent Compound

The first step in writing the molecular formula of a compound is to identify the parent compound. The parent compound is the simplest member of the homologous series.

Step 2: Determine the Number of Atoms

Once we have identified the parent compound, we need to determine the number of atoms of each element present in the compound. This can be done by counting the number of atoms of each element in the parent compound.

Step 3: Add or Remove Atoms

To write the molecular formula of a compound, we need to add or remove atoms from the parent compound. The number of atoms to be added or removed is determined by the homologous series.

Step 4: Write the Molecular Formula

Once we have added or removed the required number of atoms, we can write the molecular formula of the compound.

Example 1: Writing the Molecular Formula of CH2

Let's consider an example to illustrate the process of writing the molecular formula of a compound. Suppose we are given the compound CH2 and we need to write its molecular formula.

Step 1: Identify the parent compound. The parent compound is CH2.
Step 2: Determine the number of atoms. The number of atoms of carbon is 1 and the number of atoms of hydrogen is 2.
Step 3: Add or remove atoms. Since the compound is a member of the alkane series, we need to add one carbon atom and two hydrogen atoms to the parent compound.
Step 4: Write the molecular formula. The molecular formula of the compound is C3H6.

Example 2: Writing the Molecular Formula of CH3CH3

Let's consider another example to illustrate the process of writing the molecular formula of a compound. Suppose we are given the compound CH3CH3 and we need to write its molecular formula.

Step 1: Identify the parent compound. The parent compound is CH3CH3.
Step 2: Determine the number of atoms. The number of atoms of carbon is 2 and the number of atoms of hydrogen is 6.
Step 3: Add or remove atoms. Since the compound is a member of the alkane series, we need to add one carbon atom and two hydrogen atoms to the parent compound.
Step 4: Write the molecular formula. The molecular formula of the compound is C4H10.

Example 3: Writing the Molecular Formula of CH3CH2CH3

Let's consider another example to illustrate the process of writing the molecular formula of a compound. Suppose we are given the compound CH3CH2CH3 and we need to write its molecular formula.

Step 1: Identify the parent compound. The parent compound is CH3CH2CH3.
Step 2: Determine the number of atoms. The number of atoms of carbon is 3 and the number of atoms of hydrogen is 8.
Step 3: Add or remove atoms. Since the compound is a member of the alkane series, we need to add one carbon atom and two hydrogen atoms to the parent compound.
Step 4: Write the molecular formula. The molecular formula of the compound is C4H10.

Conclusion

In conclusion, writing the molecular formula of a compound is a straightforward process that involves identifying the parent compound, determining the number of atoms, adding or removing atoms, and writing the molecular formula. By following these steps, we can write the molecular formula of any compound.

References

Atkins, P. W., & De Paula, J. (2010). Physical chemistry. Oxford University Press.
Brown, T. E., & LeMay, H. E. (2014). Chemistry: The Central Science. Pearson Education.
Chang, R. (2010). Chemistry. McGraw-Hill Education.

Table of Homologous Series

S.N	Homologous Series
1	Alkanes (CnH2n+2)
2	Alkenes (CnH2n)
3	Alkynes (CnH2n-2)
4	Alcohols (CnH2n+1OH)
5	Ethers (CnH2n+1OR)

Discussion

The molecular formula of a compound is a representation of the number of atoms of each element present in one molecule of the compound. Writing the molecular formula of a compound involves identifying the parent compound, determining the number of atoms, adding or removing atoms, and writing the molecular formula. By following these steps, we can write the molecular formula of any compound.

Homologous Series

A homologous series is a group of compounds that have similar chemical properties and structures. They are characterized by a repeating pattern of atoms, usually carbon and hydrogen, which are arranged in a specific sequence. The members of a homologous series differ from each other by a fixed number of atoms, usually one or two, which are added or removed from the parent compound.

Conclusion

Writing molecular formulas is an essential skill in chemistry that helps us understand the composition of compounds. However, it can be a bit challenging, especially for beginners. In this article, we will address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) on writing molecular formulas.

Q: What is a molecular formula?

A: A molecular formula is a representation of the number of atoms of each element present in one molecule of a compound. It is a way to describe the composition of a compound in terms of the number of atoms of each element.

Q: How do I write a molecular formula?

A: To write a molecular formula, you need to follow these steps:

Identify the parent compound.
Determine the number of atoms of each element present in the compound.
Add or remove atoms from the parent compound to get the desired compound.
Write the molecular formula of the compound.

Q: What is the parent compound?

A: The parent compound is the simplest member of a homologous series. It is the compound from which all other members of the series are derived by adding or removing atoms.

Q: How do I determine the number of atoms of each element?

A: To determine the number of atoms of each element, you need to count the number of atoms of each element present in the parent compound.

Q: What is a homologous series?

A: A homologous series is a group of compounds that have similar chemical properties and structures. They are characterized by a repeating pattern of atoms, usually carbon and hydrogen, which are arranged in a specific sequence.

Q: How do I add or remove atoms from the parent compound?

A: To add or remove atoms from the parent compound, you need to follow the rules of the homologous series. For example, if you are adding a carbon atom, you need to add two hydrogen atoms as well.

Q: What is the difference between a molecular formula and a structural formula?

A: A molecular formula is a representation of the number of atoms of each element present in one molecule of a compound, while a structural formula is a representation of the arrangement of atoms in a molecule.

Q: How do I write a structural formula?

A: To write a structural formula, you need to draw the arrangement of atoms in a molecule. You can use lines to represent bonds between atoms and circles to represent atoms.

Q: What is the importance of writing molecular formulas?

A: Writing molecular formulas is an essential skill in chemistry that helps us understand the composition of compounds. It also helps us to predict the properties of compounds and to design new compounds with specific properties.

Q: Can I write a molecular formula for any compound?

A: Yes, you can write a molecular formula for any compound. However, you need to follow the rules of the homologous series and the rules of chemistry to ensure that the molecular formula is correct.

Q: How do I check if a molecular formula is correct?

A: To check if a molecular formula is correct, you need to follow these steps:

Count the number of atoms of each element present in the compound.
Check if the molecular formula follows the rules of the homologous series.
Check if the molecular formula is balanced (i.e., the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation).

Conclusion

Writing molecular formulas is an essential skill in chemistry that helps us understand the composition of compounds. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can write molecular formulas for any compound. Remember to always check if the molecular formula is correct by counting the number of atoms of each element and checking if it follows the rules of the homologous series.

References

Atkins, P. W., & De Paula, J. (2010). Physical chemistry. Oxford University Press.
Brown, T. E., & LeMay, H. E. (2014). Chemistry: The Central Science. Pearson Education.
Chang, R. (2010). Chemistry. McGraw-Hill Education.

Table of Homologous Series

S.N	Homologous Series
1	Alkanes (CnH2n+2)
2	Alkenes (CnH2n)
3	Alkynes (CnH2n-2)
4	Alcohols (CnH2n+1OH)
5	Ethers (CnH2n+1OR)