Question

What are the rules for writing condensed structural formulas?

Answer 1

Condensed structural formulas are designed to be typed on a single line. Here are the rules.

Explanation:

• Write the atoms of the longest chain horizontally in the order in which they are connected.
  • You may combine repeating horizontal units in subscripted parentheses.
• Write all of the ligands on an atom immediately to its right, with subscripts for multiples.
  • Exception: Write ligands on the leftmost atom immediately to its left.
• Enclose polyatomic ligands in parentheses.
• Use explicit bonds as needed to clarify attachments.
• It is preferable to treat equivalent groups equally.

Here are some examples of condensed structural formulas.

`"CH"_3"CH"_2"CH"_2"CH"_2"CH"_2"CH"_3` and `"CH"_3("CH"_2)_4"CH"_3`

`("CH"_3)_4"C"`

`("CH"_3)_2"CHC(CH"_3)_2"CH"_2"CH"_3`

`"CH"_3"CCl"_2"CH"_2"CH"_3`

`"HOCH"_2"CH"_2"OH"`

`"CH"_3"COCH"_3` and `"CH"_3"C(=O)CH"_3` and `("CH"_3)_2"C=O"`

`"ClCH"_2"COOH"` and `"ClCH"_2"C(=O)OH"`

`"CH"_3"CH"_2"C≡N"` and `"CH"_3"CH"_2"CN"`

`"CH"_3"CON(CH"_3)_2` and `"CH"_3"C(=O)N(CH"_3)_2`

`"CH"_3"CH(COOCH"_3)_2`

`"CH"_3"CH(OH)CH"_3`