A homologous series is a group of organic compounds that have the same functional group and similar chemical properties, where each successive member differs by a −CH2negative cap C cap H sub 2 7. Important Carbon Compounds: Ethanol and Ethanoic Acid Ethanol ( C2H5OHcap C sub 2 cap H sub 5 cap O cap H

This is carbon's unique ability to form long chains, branched chains, or rings by bonding with other carbon atoms. 2. Covalent Bonding in Carbon

Contain double or triple bonds ( CnH2ncap C sub n cap H sub 2 n end-sub CnH2n−2cap C sub n cap H sub 2 n minus 2 end-sub ). These are generally more reactive than alkanes. 5. Functional Groups