A functional group is an atom or a group of atoms that determine the chemical properties of a compound.

For example the functional group of an alcohol is the -OH group and that of alkenes is the C=C carbon to carbon double bond.

 

A Homologous series is a group of substances with:

  • the same general formula
  • similar chemical properties because they have the same functional group
  • a trend (graduation) in physical properties

 

 

Isomers are molecules with the same molecular formula but with a different structure.