Types of Chemical Formulae
Chemistry In a Nutshell
There are six types of formulas in general.
1. Structural formula (SF)
(Methanesulfonyl Chloride structural formula)
(Ethene structural formula)
The structural formula (SF) shown is a two-dimensional structure of the atoms in the molecule and shows all the bonds between the atoms.
2. Condensed structural formula & Constitutional formula (CF)
CH2=CH2
(Ethen condensed structural formula)
CH3CH(CH3)CH3
(2-Methylpropane constitutional formula)
It is also a two dimension represent of atoms in a molecule, but it shows only C=C and C≡C bonds, other bonds like C−C, C=O, C−H, etc. are not needed to be seen.
3. Molecular formula (MF)
C2H4
(Ethen molecular formula)
The molecular formula (MF) indicates the exact number of each kind of atom in the molecule.
4. Empirical formula (EF)
CH2
(Ethen empirical formula)
The Empirical Formula (EF) indicates the most simple ratio of different types of atoms.
5. General formula (GF)
CnH2n
(Ethen general formula)
CnH2n+2
(Isobutane general formula)
The General Formula (GF) is a type of empirical formula that describes the composition of any member of the entire organic compound family.
6. Three-dimensional formula
(2-Methylpropane 3-D formula)
The 3-D formula indicates the spatial organization of atoms, groups of atoms and covalent bonds in a three-dimensional molecule.
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Chemistry in a nutshell