Formulas in Organic Chemistry Flashcards
What’s a molecular formula?
Gives the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule.
What’s a structural formula?
Shows the atoms carbon by carbon, with the attached hydrogens and functional groups.
What does a displayed formula show?
How all the atoms are arranged, and all the bonds between them.
What’s an empirical formula?
Gives the simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound.
What’s the general formula?
An algebraic formula that can describe any member of a family of compounds.
What is a homologous series?
A family of compounds that have the same functional group and general formula.
What are skeletal formulas?
These show the bonds of the carbon skeleton only, with any functional groups. The hydrogen and carbon atoms that are part of the main carbon chain aren’t shown.
