# Alcohols form a homologous series. Describe four features of alcohols as a homologous series, and state the functional group present in all alcohols.

> AQA A-Level Chemistry (7405) — 3.3.5 Alcohols · Describe · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Alcohols contain/have the functional group –OH
2. Alcohols are a homologous series / members of a homologous series with the same functional group
3. Members of the series have similar chemical properties (to each other)
4. Each successive member differs by one –CH₂– unit (or the molecular formula increases by CH₂ each time)
5. The first four members are methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol (all four named correctly)

## Key terms

- [homologous series](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/homologous-series)
- [functional group](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/functional-group)
- [alcohols](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/alcohols)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Chemistry (7405)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/alcohols-form-a-homologous-series-describe-330ffb8f) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.