What is the number of carbon atoms in the second member of the ester homologous series? — IUPAC and Nomenclature Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The first member of the ester family is methyl methanoate ($HCOOCH_3$) with 2 carbons. The second members are ethyl methanoate ($HCOOCH_2CH_3$) and methyl ethanoate ($CH_3COOCH_3$), both containing 3 carbons.