Representing Formulae
- Organic compounds can be represented in a number of ways:
- Empirical Formulae
- Molecular Formulae
- Structural Formulae
- Condensed Structural Formulae
- The empirical formula shows the simplest possible ratio of the atoms in a molecule
- For example:
- Hydrogen peroxide is H2O2 but the empirical formula is HO
- The molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms in a molecule
- For example:
The molecular formulae of butane and butene
- The structural formula shows the spatial arrangement of all the atoms and bonds in a molecule
- This is also known as the displayed formula or graphical formula.
- For example:
The structural formula of 2-methylbutane
- In a condensed structural formulae enough information is shown to make the structure clear, but most of the actual covalent bonds are omitted
- Only important bonds are always shown, such as double and triple bonds
- Identical groups can be bracketed together
- Side groups are also shown using brackets
- Straight chain alkanes are shown as follows:
Representing condensed structural formulae of straight chains
- Branched alkanes are shown as follows:
Representing condensed structural formulae of branched alkanes
- Alkenes are shown as follows:
Representing condensed structural formulae of alkenes