A structural formula shows the arrangement of atoms carbon by carbon, using the minimum detail and without drawing the bonds.Each carbon atom is written with the atoms attached to it. For example, propan-1-ol is CH3CH2CH2OH and propane is CH3CH2CH3.Branches are shown in brackets after the carbon they are attached to. For example, 2-methylpropane is CH3CH(CH3)CH3.Functional groups are written in a short form, for example -COOH for a carboxylic acid and -CHO for an aldehyde. Double bonds between carbon atoms are usually shown, as in CH2=CHCH3 for propene.Unlike a molecular formula, a structural formula tells you which isomer you have.
Structural Formula
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Specification: AQA Chemistry (7404), AS-level, 3.3.1.1 Nomenclature. Topic: Organic Chemistry.
Key terms in this lesson
- functional group
- An atom or group of atoms responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of a molecule.
More in Organic Chemistry
- Carbon
- Empirical Formula
- Molecular Formula
- Displayed Formula
- Skeletal FOrmula
- Bond Breaking
- Nomenclature
- Functional Groups
All 17 lessons in Organic Chemistry · All AQA AS-level Chemistry topics