Question:medium

Write structural formula and name of 4$^{th}$ member of alcohol homologous series.

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4$^{th}$ alcohol = Butanol (C$_4$H$_9$OH).
Updated On: Feb 26, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Fourth Member of Alcohol Homologous Series:

Alcohols belong to a homologous series with the general formula CnH2n+1OH. Each successive member differs by a –CH2 group.

First Four Members of Alcohol Series:
1. Methanol – CH3OH
2. Ethanol – C2H5OH
3. Propanol – C3H7OH
4. Butanol – C4H9OH

Therefore, the fourth member of the alcohol homologous series is Butanol.

Molecular Formula:
C4H9OH

Structural Formula (1-Butanol):
CH3 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – OH

Explanation:
– It contains four carbon atoms.
– It has one hydroxyl (–OH) functional group.
– It differs from propanol by one –CH2 unit.

Conclusion:
The fourth member of the alcohol homologous series is Butanol (C4H9OH), and its structural formula is CH3–CH2–CH2–CH2–OH.

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