Representing the same compound in different ways
A  | |
B  | |
C  | |
| D (CH3)2CHCH2CH3 | |
| E CH3CH2CH(CH3)2 | |
Condensed structural representations show which atoms are bonded to each other. However, it is possible for the same molecule to be represented by condensed structures that may, at first glance, appear to be different.
It is advisable to draw in the bonds at branched carbon atoms!
However, you will also encounter condensed structural representations like D and E written on a single line.
These show that the two CH3 groups bonded to the second carbon in the chain are equivalent.
Consider various condensed structural representations for the same molecule.
It may be apparent to you that structures A and B are the same,
However it may not be so obvious that C is the same as A and B.
Structures A and B have a four-carbon chain with a one-carbon branch at the carbon adjacent to a carbon at the end of the chain.
It may be apparent to you that structures A and B are the same,
However it may not be so obvious that C is the same as A and B.
Structures A and B have a four-carbon chain with a one-carbon branch at the carbon adjacent to a carbon at the end of the chain.
Place your mouse over C to see that the longest carbon chain is also four, and that it has a one-carbon branch like A and B .
It is advisable to draw in the bonds at branched carbon atoms!
However, you will also encounter condensed structural representations like D and E written on a single line.
These show that the two CH3 groups bonded to the second carbon in the chain are equivalent.
Groups written in brackets at the
beginning of the chain are bonded to the carbon directly following the brackets.
end of the chain are bonded to the carbon directly preceding the brackets.
end of the chain are bonded to the carbon directly preceding the brackets.