Table of contents

Prepare for your exams

Upload your syllabus and get recommendations on what to study and when. No syllabus? Sharing your exam schedule works too.

Skip topic navigation

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Skeletal Formula

12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Skeletal Formula: Videos & Practice Problems

Video Lessons Practice Worksheet

Topic summary

Skeletal formulas, also known as bond line or line formulas, are efficient representations of complex organic structures. In these formulas, carbon-carbon bonds are depicted as lines, with each corner representing a carbon atom. Hydrogen atoms attached to carbon are typically omitted, while other atoms like oxygen and nitrogen are shown. This method simplifies the drawing of organic compounds, allowing for a clearer understanding of molecular connectivity and functional groups, essential for studying organic chemistry.

concept

Skeletal Formula Concept 1

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Skeletal Formula Concept 1 Video Summary

Skeletal formulas, also known as bond line or line formulas, serve as an efficient method for representing complex organic structures in chemistry. As one progresses in the study of organic chemistry, the reliance on structural and condensed formulas diminishes due to their time-consuming nature. Instead, skeletal formulas become the preferred choice for illustrating intricate organic compounds.

In a skeletal formula, carbon-carbon bonds are depicted as lines, with each corner of the line representing a carbon atom. Notably, hydrogen atoms attached to carbon are typically omitted for simplicity, while other atoms such as oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur are explicitly shown. For instance, in a skeletal representation of a compound like CH₃CH₂OH, the carbon atoms are implied at the corners, and the oxygen atom is clearly indicated.

It is essential to remember that carbon atoms must form four bonds. In a skeletal formula, if a carbon atom is connected to another carbon, the remaining bonds are filled with invisible hydrogen atoms. For example, if a carbon atom is bonded to another carbon and has three hydrogen atoms, those hydrogens are not drawn but are understood to be present. Similarly, if a carbon is bonded to an oxygen, any hydrogen atoms attached to the oxygen are shown, while those attached to carbon are not.

Overall, skeletal formulas provide a streamlined way to represent both condensed and structural formulas, making them invaluable as one delves deeper into the complexities of organic chemistry.

example

Skeletal Formula Example 1

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Skeletal Formula Example 1 Video Summary

To determine the number of hydrogen atoms attached to specific carbon atoms in a molecular structure, it is essential to remember that each carbon atom must form a total of four bonds. This principle is fundamental in organic chemistry, where carbon's tetravalency plays a crucial role in molecular bonding.

In the given scenario, we analyze three circled carbon atoms:

1. **Left Carbon Atom**: This carbon is bonded to one other carbon atom. Since it needs to form four bonds in total, it requires three additional bonds. Therefore, it is attached to three hydrogen atoms that are not explicitly shown in the structure.

2. **Middle Carbon Atom**: This carbon is making three bonds (to two other carbons and one hydrogen). To satisfy its tetravalency, it is one bond short, indicating that it has one hydrogen atom that is not visible in the representation.

3. **Right Carbon Atom**: This carbon is bonded to two other atoms. To complete its four bonds, it needs two more, which means it has two hydrogen atoms that are also not depicted in the structure.

In summary, the number of hydrogen atoms attached to each of the circled carbon atoms is as follows: the left carbon has three hydrogen atoms, the middle carbon has one hydrogen atom, and the right carbon has two hydrogen atoms. This analysis highlights the importance of understanding carbon's bonding requirements in molecular structures.

Problem

Draw a skeletal formula for the following molecule: CH₃CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂OH.

Problem

Convert the following skeletal formula into condensed and structural formulas.

Condensed: CH₃CH₂OH

Structural:

Condensed: CH₃CH₂CH₂(OH)CH₃

Structural:

Condensed: CH₃CH₂CH₂OH

Structural:

Condensed: CH₃CH(OH)CH₃

Structural:

Do you want more practice?

We have more practice problems on Skeletal Formula

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What is a skeletal formula in organic chemistry?

A skeletal formula, also known as a bond line or line formula, is a simplified representation of organic molecules. In this format, carbon-carbon bonds are depicted as lines, with each corner or endpoint representing a carbon atom. Hydrogen atoms attached to carbon are typically omitted, while other atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur are shown. This method allows for a quicker and clearer depiction of complex organic structures, making it easier to understand molecular connectivity and functional groups. Skeletal formulas are particularly useful as you delve deeper into organic chemistry, where drawing detailed structural formulas can become cumbersome.

How do you draw a skeletal formula from a structural formula?

To draw a skeletal formula from a structural formula, follow these steps: 1) Identify all carbon atoms and represent them as corners or endpoints of lines. 2) Draw lines to represent carbon-carbon bonds. 3) Omit hydrogen atoms attached to carbon, but include hydrogen atoms attached to other atoms like oxygen or nitrogen. 4) Show all other atoms (e.g., O, N, S) explicitly. For example, the structural formula CH₃CH₂OH can be drawn as a skeletal formula with a line representing the C-C bond and an OH group at the end, indicating the presence of oxygen and its attached hydrogen.

Why are hydrogen atoms often omitted in skeletal formulas?

Hydrogen atoms attached to carbon are often omitted in skeletal formulas to simplify the drawing and make it less cluttered. Each carbon atom is understood to have enough hydrogen atoms to complete its four bonds. This convention allows chemists to focus on the more complex parts of the molecule, such as functional groups and the connectivity between carbon atoms. By omitting hydrogen atoms, skeletal formulas provide a clearer and more efficient way to represent large and complex organic molecules.

What are the advantages of using skeletal formulas in organic chemistry?

Skeletal formulas offer several advantages in organic chemistry: 1) They simplify the representation of complex molecules, making it easier to visualize and understand molecular structures. 2) They save time and space, as they omit hydrogen atoms attached to carbon and use lines to represent carbon-carbon bonds. 3) They highlight functional groups and molecular connectivity more clearly. 4) They are particularly useful for large organic molecules, where drawing detailed structural formulas would be cumbersome. Overall, skeletal formulas are an efficient and effective tool for studying and communicating organic chemistry concepts.

What is the difference between a skeletal formula and a structural formula?

A skeletal formula is a simplified representation of an organic molecule, where carbon-carbon bonds are shown as lines, and hydrogen atoms attached to carbon are omitted. Other atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur are explicitly shown. In contrast, a structural formula provides a detailed depiction of the molecule, showing all atoms and bonds, including hydrogen atoms attached to carbon. While structural formulas offer a complete view of the molecule, skeletal formulas are more efficient for representing complex structures, making them useful for quick visualization and analysis in organic chemistry.