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Organic compounds are classified into different series on the basis of functional groups. These series are called homologous series. Thus the study of organic compounds becomes easier.

Homologous Series:

Homo means “same ” and series means “sequence”

A series of organic compounds have the same functional group, same chemical properties but each member is different from the next member by a methylene group (-CH2) & physical properties are called homologous series.

Homologous Series Definition:

A series of compounds in which there is a constant difference of methylene (-CH₂-) group between any two successive members of the family.

Each member of the homologous series is called a homolog.

homologous series of alkanes alkenes and alcohols — Homologous series of alkane ,alkyne and alcohols

What are homologs?

In Organic chemistry, homologous series adjacent members differ by methylene (-CH₂-) group. These individual members are called homologs.

General characteristics of Homologous Series:

There is a constant difference in the methylene (-CH₂-) group between any two successive members of a homologous series.
All the members of a homologous series can be represented by a general formula e.g. general formulae for alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, alkyl halides are C_nH_2n+2, C_nH_2n, C_nH_2n–2, C_nH_2n+1OH, C_nH_2n+1X respectively.
All the members of a homologous series have same functional group.
All the members of a homologous series have same general chemical properties.
There is a gradual change in physical properties in a homologous series from lower members to higher members.
All the members of a homologous series can be prepared by same general methods of preparations.
All families of organic compounds form a homologous series.