Organic Formulae

• List the six types of formulae:

  • Empirical
  • Molecular
  • General
  • Structural
  • Displayed
  • Skeletal
• Define Empirical Formula:

  The simplest whole number ratio of the atoms of each element in a compound
• Define Molecular Formula:

  The actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule.
• Define General Formula:

  The simplest algebraic formula of a member of a homologous series
• Define Structural Formula:

  The simplest way to show the arrangement of atoms in a molecule.
• Define Displayed Formula:

  The relative positioning of atoms and the bonds between them in a molecule
• Define Skeletal Formula:

  The simplest formula using lines to represent bonds and vertices representing carbon atoms