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Homologous seriesIsomers

The alkanes, alkenes and cycloalkanes are examples of homologous series. A homologous series is a group of chemicals which have similar chemical properties and can be represented by a general formula.

Part of ChemistryNature's chemistry

Isomers

Isomers are compounds with the same molecular formulae but different structural formulae.

They have the same number of each type of atom but may have different physical and chemical properties.

This diagram shows butane and methylpropane. (Methylpropane used to be called iso-butane, but the correct name is methylpropane).

Butane has the molecular formula C4H10. Its structural formula is a carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms, joined to a carbon atom with 2 hydrogens. This is joined to another carbon with two hydrogens, which is joined to a carbon with 3 hydrogens. Methylpropane also has the molecular formula C4H10. Its structural formula is a carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms, joined to a carbon atom with one hydrogen and a methyl group. This carbon is joined to another carbon with three hydrogens.

Both have a molecular formula of \({C_4}{H_{10}}\). The structural formulae are different though, so they are isomers of each other.

Isomers are molecules with the same formula but different chemical structures.

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