Skeletal formula

A skeletal formula is a way of drawing a molecule of an organic compound. They are simplified versions of structural formulas that do not show most carbon or hydrogen atoms.

Like a structural formula, chemical bonds are drawn as lines. Corners between lines show carbon atoms, replacing the C symbol used in structural formulas. Bonds between carbon and hydrogen are left out unless something specific about them matters (such as their stereochemistry).

Skeletal Formula Media

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  The skeletal formula of the antidepressant drug escitalopram, featuring skeletal representations of heteroatoms, a triple bond, phenyl groups and stereochemistry

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  Examples for rule 1

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  Examples for rule 2

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  Examples for rule 3

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  Examples for rule 4

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  Examples for rule 5

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  The skeletal formula of hexane, with carbons number one and three labelled

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  The Lewis structure of hexane, for reference

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  The 3d ball representation of hexane, with carbon (black) and hydrogen (white) shown explicitly.

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  Ethanol chemical structure