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What is condensed structural formula of propene?

Published in Organic Chemistry 3 mins read

The condensed structural formula of propene is H₂C=CH−CH₃.

Understanding Propene's Chemical Structure

Propene is an organic compound belonging to the alkene family, characterized by the presence of at least one carbon-carbon double bond. Its molecular formula is C₃H₆, indicating it consists of three carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms. The arrangement of these atoms defines its chemical properties and reactivity.

What is a Condensed Structural Formula?

A condensed structural formula is a simplified way to represent organic molecules. Instead of showing every single bond explicitly, it groups atoms attached to each carbon atom together. This method provides a clear and compact representation of the molecule's connectivity while indicating the presence of multiple bonds (double or triple) where they occur. It strikes a balance between the simplicity of a molecular formula and the detail of a full structural formula.

Deriving the Condensed Formula for Propene

To arrive at the condensed structural formula for propene (H₂C=CH−CH₃), consider the arrangement of its three carbon atoms and the single double bond:

  • The first carbon atom is part of the double bond and is bonded to two hydrogen atoms. This is represented as H₂C=.
  • The second carbon atom is also part of the double bond and is bonded to one hydrogen atom. This is represented as =CH−.
  • The third carbon atom is a methyl group, bonded by a single bond to the second carbon, and is bonded to three hydrogen atoms. This is represented as −CH₃.

When these parts are combined, they accurately reflect the sequence and bonding of atoms in propene, forming H₂C=CH−CH₃. The double bond between the first two carbons is clearly indicated.

Benefits of Using Condensed Formulas

Condensed structural formulas offer several advantages in chemistry:

  • Conciseness: They provide a more compact way to write chemical structures compared to full Lewis structures.
  • Clarity: They clearly show the connectivity of atoms, especially the carbon backbone, and highlight the position of functional groups or multiple bonds.
  • Ease of Representation: They are easier to type and print than complete structural formulas, making them practical for documentation and communication.

Formula Comparison: Propene

Formula Type Representation Description
Molecular Formula C₃H₆ Indicates the total number of each type of atom in the molecule.
Condensed Formula H₂C=CH−CH₃ Shows atoms attached to each carbon, simplifying single bonds while explicit about multiple bonds.
Full Structural Formula H₂C=CH-CH₃ (conceptual; shows all bonds graphically) Depicts every atom and every bond in the molecule explicitly.