Types of formulae Flashcards
two main ways of referring to organic compounds are
formula and naming
how can we simplify displayed formula?
in structural formula
for skeletal formula, every change in direction and every ending means
there is one carbon atom
the end line in skeletal formula represents
CH3
middle lines in skeletal formula represent
CH2
displayed, structural ad skeletal formula represent
only one compound unambiguously
the empirical formula of butane is
C2H5
the word empirical in chemistry means
‘as found from practical evidence’ meaning you should be able to deduce empirical formula through calculations from an experiment
is this a structural formula? CH3CH2CH2CH3
yes, as you can leave out bonds between the carbons
sometimes, the empirical formula is the same as
the structural formula
What is a displayed formula?
They show every atom and every bond separately
What is a structural formula?
Simplified displayed formula, with atoms grouped together depending on which carbon atom they are joined to
What is skeletal formula?
Shows only the bonds between carbon atoms
What is molecular formlula?
Shows the number of atoms in a compound
What is empirical formula?
The lowest whole number ratio of the atoms of each element in a compound.
