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Chemistry - Functional groups

Functional groups

Homologous series may be represented by the general symbol R-X where X
represents the _characteristic functional group._ Within any homologous
series R-X, the compounds have the same general formula but successive
members differ by CH2.

All members of a particular series have the _same _functional group, e.g.

- 'chloro' in chloroalkanes

- 'hydroxy' in alcohols (alcohols are also known as alkanols)

- 'carboxyl' in acids

Consequently, the chemical properties of all members of a series are
generally similar.

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