# Methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol are all members of the same homologous series. Explain what is meant by the term homologous series and describe two chemical properties that all members of this alcohol series share.

> Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) — 10.3 Alcohols and carboxylic acids (Chem only) · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. A homologous series is a family/group of compounds that share the same general formula (or functional group)
2. Each successive member differs by CH₂ (one carbon and two hydrogen atoms)
3. All alcohols undergo combustion (burn in oxygen/air to produce carbon dioxide and water)
4. All alcohols react with sodium (or can be oxidised to form a carboxylic acid / undergo fermentation / react with carboxylic acids to form esters)

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0)](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/methanol-ethanol-propanol-and-butanol-are-b5c97f79) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.