structural formula

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a chemical formula showing the linkage of the atoms in a molecule diagrammatically, as H–O–H.

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structural formula British  

noun

1. a chemical formula showing the composition and structure of a molecule. The atoms are represented by symbols and the structure is indicated by showing the relative positions of the atoms in space and the bonds between them See also empirical formula molecular formula

   H–C≡C–H is the structural formula of acetylene

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structural formula Scientific  

/ strŭk′chər-əl /

1. A chemical formula that shows how the atoms making up a compound are arranged within the molecule. For example, the structural formula of aspirin is CH ₃ COOC ₆ H ₄ COOH, indicating that it consists of an acetyl group (CH ₃ COO) attached to the carboxylic acid (COOH) of a phenyl group (C ₆ H ₄).

2. Compare empirical formula molecular formula

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Etymology

Origin of structural formula

First recorded in 1885–90

Compare meaning

How does structural-formula compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• molecular formula vs. structural formula
• molecular vs. structural formula

Example Sentences

A structural formula indicates the bonding arrangement of the atoms in the molecule.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

Draw the structural formula of this molecule and state its name.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

Draw the structural formula of this molecule and state its name.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

If so, draw its structural formula and state its name.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

With the structural formula of Harries as a clue chemists all over the world plunged into the problem with renewed hope.

From Creative Chemistry Descriptive of Recent Achievements in the Chemical Industries by Slosson, Edwin E.