Determine the Molecular Formula
What is the molecular formula?
List C, then H, then remaining elements in alphabetical order.
Common Questions
What is a line-angle (skeletal) structure?
A line-angle structure represents organic molecules using zigzag lines. Each vertex and endpoint is a carbon atom, and hydrogen atoms on carbon are implied (not drawn). Heteroatoms (O, N, S) and their hydrogens are shown explicitly.
How do you read a line-angle structure?
Each vertex (corner) and line endpoint represents a carbon. Count the bonds at each carbon to determine how many implicit hydrogens are present (carbon needs 4 bonds total). Heteroatoms like O, N, and S are written out explicitly.
How do you convert a line-angle structure to a molecular formula?
Count all carbons (vertices + endpoints), add implicit hydrogens to each carbon (4 minus bonds shown), and count any heteroatoms and their explicit hydrogens. Combine all atom counts into the molecular formula.
Why do organic chemists use line-angle structures?
Line-angle structures are compact and fast to draw. They emphasize the carbon skeleton and functional groups while omitting the many C-H bonds that would clutter the drawing. They are the standard representation in organic chemistry.