Chapter 8.2, Problem 18LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The information revealed by the structural formula of a compound needs to be identified.

Concept Introduction: The structural formula of a compound shows the arrangement of atoms and the types of bond present in it. The number of atoms present in a compound can be identified from its molecular formula but to understand the location of atoms, the structural formula is required.

Explanation of Solution

Structural formula explains the location of atoms in a molecule. It also helps in identifying the number and type of chemical bonds present in the molecule. For example, the structural formula of ethane ${\text{C}}_{\text{2}}{\text{H}}_{\text{6}}$ is as follows:

  

From the above structural formula, it can be identified that two carbon atoms are bonded to each other via a single bond and there are six C-H single bonds present in the compound.