Condensed Formulas: A Guide to Simplifying Molecular Structures for Organic Chemistry

condensed formula

summarizing how many Hs are bonded to each C (ex: CH3CH2CH2OH )

A condensed formula is a shorthand way of representing the molecular structure of a compound. It shows the atoms present in the compound and how they are bonded together, but does not show the spatial arrangement of the atoms.

For example, the condensed formula for ethane (C2H6) would be written as CH3-CH3, where the CH3 group represents a methyl group (-CH3) attached to the carbon atom.

In general, condensed formulas are written by listing the atoms in the order of their connectivity, and using parentheses to indicate a branch or a substituent group attached to the main chain. For example, the condensed formula for butane (C4H10) would be written as CH3(CH2)2CH3, where the CH3 groups on either end represent the methyl groups attached to the carbon atoms, and the (CH2)2 group represents a two-carbon unit in the main chain.

Condensed formulas are commonly used in organic chemistry to represent complex molecules, and they are particularly useful for writing chemical equations and predicting reaction products. However, they can be ambiguous in some cases, and so it is important to also understand the full structural formula and the spatial arrangement of the atoms in a compound.

More Answers:

Isomers: Constitutional and Stereoisomers in Organic Chemistry
Exploring the Chemistry of Alkynes: Properties, Naming Convention and Applications in Organic Chemistry
Exploring Alkenes: Properties, Reactivity, and Applications in Chemical Industry

Error 403 The request cannot be completed because you have exceeded your quota. : quotaExceeded

Share:

Recent Posts

Mathematics in Cancer Treatment

How Mathematics is Transforming Cancer Treatment Mathematics plays an increasingly vital role in the fight against cancer mesothelioma. From optimizing drug delivery systems to personalizing

Read More »