# Ethanol is a member of the alcohol homologous series. Explain what is meant by a homologous series and describe the chemical properties of ethanol, including its reactions with sodium and with oxygen.

> Eduqas A-Level Chemistry — 4.3 Alcohols and phenols · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. A homologous series is a family/group of compounds with the same general formula
2. Each successive member differs by CH₂ (one carbon and two hydrogen atoms)
3. Ethanol reacts with sodium to produce hydrogen gas
4. Ethanol burns in oxygen / undergoes combustion
5. Complete combustion of ethanol produces carbon dioxide and water

## Key terms

- [homologous series](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/homologous-series)
- [ethanol](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ethanol)
- [sodium](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/sodium)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" 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/ethanol-is-a-member-of-the-7dbe09ad) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.