Condensed Structural Formula: Learn All About It

A condensed structural formula is a shorthand notation used in chemistry to represent the molecular structure of a compound by writing the chemical symbols of the constituent atoms in a linear sequence, indicating their connectivity through bonds and omitting some or all of the hydrogen atoms.

In this article, we will study in detail the Condensed structural formula, its importance, and how it is written.

1. What is a Condensed Structural Formula?

The condensed structural formula is a brief method for determining the geometry of an organic compound. The condensed formula is shown on a single line of text and specifies the atoms in the order they appear in the molecule, omitting or limiting bond dashes. It also shows the functional groups in the molecule, such as amine -NH₂ and alcohol -OH, and parentheses indicate that polyatomic groups are linked together.

2. Examples of Condensed Structural Formula

Here are some examples of condensed structural formulas for different organic compounds:

Methane: CH₄

Ethanol: CH₃CH₂OH

Acetic acid: CH₃COOH

Glucose: C₆H₁₂O₆

Aspirin: C₉H₈O₄

Caffeine: C₈H₁₀N₄O₂

Cholesterol: C₂₇H₄₆O

Propane: CH₃CH₂CH₃

Butane: CH₃(CH₂)₂CH₃

Toluene: C₆H₅CH₃

3. How to Write Condensed Structural Formula?

To write a condensed structural formula, follow these steps:

• Write the chemical symbol of each element in the molecule in a linear sequence, indicating their connectivity through bonds.
• Omit the hydrogen atoms that are attached to carbon atoms unless they are necessary to indicate the connectivity or stereochemistry of the molecule.
• Use parentheses to group atoms that are attached to the same carbon atom.
• Use numerical subscripts to indicate the number of each type of atom in the molecule.
• If the molecule contains functional groups, such as alcohols or carboxylic acids, include them in the formula and indicate their position in the molecule.

4. Importance of Condensed Structural Formula

Condensed structural formulas are important in chemistry for several reasons:

• They provide a quick and concise way to represent the molecular structure of a compound, making it easier to write and interpret chemical reactions and syntheses.
• They can be used to determine the molecular formula of a compound by counting the number of each type of atom present.
• They help to identify the functional groups present in a molecule and to predict its chemical and physical properties.
• They allow chemists to communicate complex structures in a compact and standardized manner, facilitating the sharing of information across different disciplines and languages.
• They are used in many areas of chemistry, including organic chemistry, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, materials science, etc.

5. Uses of Condensed Structural Formula

The condensed structural formula is used in several ways in chemistry, including:

• Identifying the molecular formula of a compound by counting the number of each type of atom present.
• Representing the connectivity of atoms in a molecule to help chemists understand how the molecule is constructed.
• Predicting the physical and chemical properties of a compound, such as boiling point, melting point, and solubility in different solvents.
• Designing and synthesizing new compounds in organic chemistry and drug discovery.
• Communicating molecular structures and chemical reactions in a compact and standardized manner facilitates the exchange of information among chemists.
• Comparing the structures of different compounds and identifying similarities and differences between them.
• Teaching and learning chemistry as it is a fundamental tool used to understand and explain the behavior of molecules.

Also Refer: What Are The Different Ways To Represent Compounds?

Key Takeaways

• A molecule’s condensed formula is the formula in which the atom symbols are listed in the order in which they appear in the molecule’s structure, with bond dashes omitted or limited.
• While vertical bonds are always omitted, horizontal bonds are occasionally included to indicate polyatomic groups.
• In a condensed formula, parentheses indicate that the polyatomic group is attached to the central atom to the right of the parentheses.
• A true condensed formula is one that can be written on a single line with no branching above or below it.

FAQs

What is the difference between a condensed structural formula and a Lewis structure?

A condensed structural formula represents the molecular structure of a compound by writing the chemical symbols of the constituent atoms in a linear sequence, indicating their connectivity through bonds and omitting some or all of the hydrogen atoms. A Lewis structure is a two-dimensional representation of the bonding and nonbonding electrons in a molecule, using dots to represent electrons and lines to represent bonds between atoms.

Why are some hydrogen atoms omitted in condensed structural formulas?

Hydrogen atoms are often omitted in condensed structural formulas to make them more concise and easier to read. In organic chemistry, carbon atoms are typically the most important atoms in a molecule, and the hydrogen atoms attached to them are usually understood.

What is the advantage of using a condensed structural formula?

The advantage of using a condensed structural formula is that it provides a quick and concise way to represent the molecular structure of a compound, making it easier to write and interpret chemical reactions and syntheses. It also allows chemists to communicate complex structures in a standardized and compact manner, facilitating the sharing of information across different disciplines and languages.

How are functional groups represented in condensed structural formulas?

Functional groups, such as alcohols, carboxylic acids, and amines, are represented in condensed structural formulas by including their specific chemical symbols and indicating their position in the molecule.

For example, in the condensed structural formula for ethanol, CH3CH2OH, the OH group represents the hydroxyl functional group of an alcohol.

What is the difference between a condensed structural formula and a skeletal formula?

A skeletal formula is a simplified version of a condensed structural formula that only shows the carbon atoms and their bonds, with all the hydrogen atoms omitted. Skeletal formulas are often used in organic chemistry to make complex structures easier to draw and interpret.