Wize University Organic Chemistry Textbook > Intro to Orgo (Functional Groups, Drawing, Naming)
Drawing Organic Compounds in 2D
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Drawing Organic Compounds in 2D
Organic compounds can be draw in two-dimensions (2D) or three-dimensions (3D). Two-dimensional drawings are useful for balanced equations and if you don't care about the three-dimensional architecture.
There are multiple ways to represent molecules in 2D:
- chemical formula
- condensed structure
- line drawing/structure
Examples are below, for ethanol:
Chemical formula: C2H6O
Condensed structure: CH3CH2OH
Line drawing:
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Example: 2-D Notation
Draw the following molecule as a line drawing.
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Example: 2-D Notation
Write the following molecule in condensed structure.
CH3CH2CH(OH)CHO
Summary Sheet: Representing Molecules in Different 2D Notation
Chemical Formula
States the number of each element in a given compounds. Example: Ethanol has a chemical formula C2H6O.
Condensed Structure
A more descriptive version of the chemical formula. This notation gives some structural information by showing which atoms are beside each other. Example: Ethanol has a condensed structure CH3CH2OH. This usually indicates the functional groups present.
Line Drawing
In organic chemistry, there's often a number of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Line drawings simplify this by replacing any nonessential carbons and hydrogens with lines:
Condensed Formula Cheatsheet
