3.6.7

Formulae

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Formulae

There are multiple kinds of formula that we use to represent molecules. They all give different information about a molecule.

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Empirical formulae

  • An empirical formula is the simplest whole number ratio of atoms in a molecule.
    • E.g. CH3 is the empirical formula of ethane.
    • E.g. CH is the empirical formula of benzene.
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Molecular formulae

  • The molecular formula of a compound gives the number of each type of atom in a molecule.
    • E.g. C2H6 is the molecular formula of ethane.
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Structural formulae

  • The structural formula is a written one-line formula showing which groups are connected to which.
    • E.g. CH3CH3 is the structural formula of ethane.
    • E.g. CH3CH2CH2CH3 is the structural formula of butane.
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Displayed formulae

  • A displayed formula is a diagram which shows every bond in a molecule.
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Skeletal formulae

  • A skeletal formula is a simplified displayed formula.
    • Hydrogen atoms are not shown and carbon atoms are at the corners of any lines.
    • A skeletal formula shows the 'skeleton' of the molecule, hence the name.

Jump to other topics

1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter

2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure

3Structure - Classification of Matter

3.1The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements

3.2Periodic Trends

3.3Group 1 Alkali Metals

3.4Halogens

3.5Noble gases, group 18

3.6Functional Groups: Classification of Organic

3.7Functional Group Chemistry

3.8Alkanes

3.9Alcohols

3.10Halogenoalkanes

4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?

5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change

7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis

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