What are the names of the first four members of the homologous series of alcohols?

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Prepare for the AQA GCSE Biology Paper 2. Utilize flashcards, multiple choice sessions, and detailed explanations. Enhance your readiness for the exam with thorough study materials and expert-crafted quizzes.

The first four members of the homologous series of alcohols are methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol. This series consists of organic compounds characterized by the presence of one or more hydroxyl (-OH) functional groups.

Methanol is the simplest alcohol, consisting of a single carbon atom, while ethanol has two carbon atoms. Propanol contains three carbon atoms, and butanol has four. Each successive member of this series differs from the previous one by a -CH2- unit, which results in systematic changes in their physical and chemical properties, such as boiling points and solubility.

The other choices provided include compounds that do not fit the definition of alcohols or are arranged in a manner that does not represent the homologous series correctly. For instance, ethene, propene, and butene in the first option are alkenes, which are distinct from alcohols due to the presence of a double bond between carbon atoms rather than a hydroxyl group. The other options also include either compounds that are not alcohols or those that are beyond the first four members of the series. Thus, the choice that lists the correct first four alcohols is accurate in terms of their structure and classification in organic chemistry.

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