FUNCTIONAL GROUPS AND
HOMOLOGOUS SERIES
FUNCTIONAL GROUP
• Functional group : is an atom or group of atoms in an organic molecule which characterised the molecule and enables it to react in specific ways (determines its chemical properties) .
Why functional groups are important?
i. A basic by which organic compounds are divided into different classes.
ii. A basic for naming organic compounds
iii. A particular functional group will always undergo similar types of chemical reactions.
HOMOLOGOUS SERIES
• A homologous series: a group of compounds with the same functional group.
• Members of the same homologous series: homologs.
• General characteristics of homologs;
a) represented by the same general formula
b) Each member differs from the next member by a –CH2 unit.
c) The physical properties change gradually with increasing Mr.
d) Similar chemical properties.
e) Can be prepared by the same method.
Functional Groups & Homologous Series
