Learning objective

Recall the first four members of a homologous series of alcohols as methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol.

Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.

At a glance

5

Flashcards

7

Questions

Topic

Reactions of alkenes and alcohols (chemistry only)

Subtopic

Alcohols

AQA GCSE ChemistryOrganic chemistry

Study support

Understand this objective

Short explanation

The first four members of the homologous series of alcohols are methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol. Each of these alcohols contains the functional group –OH, which is responsible for their characteristic properties. Methanol (CH₃OH) is the simplest alcohol, followed by ethanol (C₂H₅OH), propanol (C₃H₇OH), and butanol (C₄H₉OH). These compounds exhibit similar chemical behavior due to their structural similarities, including their ability to form hydrogen bonds, which influences their boiling points and solubility in water.

Key concepts

homologous seriesalcohol

Why it matters

This objective helps connect Alcohols to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Reactions of alkenes and alcohols (chemistry only).

Common mistakes

1 linked
  • Naming Alcohols: Use a mnemonic or a list to remember the order: Methanol, Ethanol, Propanol, Butanol.

Revision tools

Choose how to practise

Back to topic hub
Flashcards5 linked cards

Flashcard 1 of 5

Press Space to flip, arrows to move
Practice Questions7 linked questions

Question 1 of 7

Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.

0 of 5 attempted
Revision notestopic notes

Open the full topic revision notes when you are ready to review this objective in context.

Open revision notes

Related learning objectives

Recall the first four members of a homologous series of alcohols… | ExamCompanion