What is the difference between expanded and condensed structural formulas?
1 Answer
Expanded structural formula shows all of the bonds in the compound.
Condensed structural formula omits most or all of the bonds.
Explanation:
Expanded structural formula shows all of the bonds connecting all of the atoms in the compound.
)
Condensed structural formula shows all atoms, but omits some or all of the vertical and horizontal bonds. It makes it easier to write the formula in a line.
Here are the different ways condensed structural formula can be represented:
)
)
)
Here's a video that shows how to draw structural formula for organic compounds - Expanded, Condensed and Skeletal form:
