Question

What is the difference between structural formula and condensed formula of organic molecules? Which of the two is more helpful to predict the chemical reaction?

Short answer

Answer: Structural formulas are more helpful in predicting chemical reactions because they provide a clearer representation of the molecule's structure, including the arrangement of atoms and the types of bonds. This information is crucial for understanding how a molecule might interact with other molecules in a chemical reaction, as it reveals the molecule's shape, potential reactive sites, and the presence of functional groups. Condensed formulas provide less information about the molecule's structure, making it more challenging to predict its reactivity and behavior in chemical reactions.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of Structural Formula

Structural formula represents the molecules by showing the arrangement of atoms and the chemical bonds between them. It is a graphical representation that uses lines to depict chemical bonds and elemental symbols to represent atoms. It allows us to see the connectivity between atoms, bond types (single, double, triple), and the overall molecular structure.

Definition of Condensed Formula

Condensed formula is a more simplified and compact representation of a molecule compared to the structural formula. It displays the molecular structure by listing the atoms present in the molecule sequentially, with the number of identical atoms in parentheses, if applicable. It omits showing chemical bonds, so it gives less information about the molecule's structure.

Comparing Structural and Condensed Formulas

Structural formulas provide detailed information about the arrangement of atoms, bond types, and connectivity between atoms. In contrast, condensed formulas are simpler and more compact but do not offer the same level of structural information.

Which Formula is More Helpful to Predict Chemical Reactions

Structural formulas are more helpful in predicting chemical reactions because they provide a clearer representation of the molecule's structure, including the arrangement of atoms and the types of bonds. This information is crucial for understanding how a molecule might interact with other molecules in a chemical reaction, as it reveals the molecule's shape, potential reactive sites, and the presence of functional groups. Condensed formulas, on the other hand, provide less information about the molecule's structure, making it more challenging to predict its reactivity and behavior in chemical reactions.