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Carbon can form four covalent bonds, giving rise to many carbon compounds. It is easier to study these compounds by grouping them together into a homologous series.

In a homologous series.

• they have the same general formula
• their molecular formulae differ by CH₂
• they show a gradual variation in physical properties, such as their boiling points.
• they have similar chemical properties.

For GCSE you will study 4 different homologous series

• the alkanes
• the alkenes
• the alcohols
• the carboxylic acids