| Condensed Formula | Molecular Formula |
|---|---|---|
Definition | The condensed formula is a shorthand representation of a molecule that gives information on the atoms, their number, and how they are connected in a single line.
| The molecular formula represents the total number of atoms in a compound without showing any connection between the atoms.
|
Example | CH3(CH2)2COOH is the condensed formula of the molecule of butanoic acid made of one CH3, two CH2, and one COOH bonded linearly as- ![]()
| The molecular formula of butanoic acid CH3(CH2)2COOH is- ![]() |
Length | The condensed formula is longer and more elaborate than the molecular formula. The number of distinct atoms is written in the subscript. Parenthesis groups a repeating set of atoms followed by their number in the subscript. | The molecular formula is shorted and more compact than the condensed formula. |
Exclusions | The bonds between the atoms are excluded.
| The bonds and the pattern of connection between various atoms are not displayed.
|
Ordering Elements or Representation | The carbon is written first, followed by the hydrogen. The other elements are subsequently written in alphabetical order of the chemical symbols.
| One of the ways to write the inline formulae of covalent compounds is Hill notation. Here, the carbon is written first, followed by the hydrogen. The other elements are written after subsequently in alphabetical order of the chemical symbols. When the formula contains no carbon, all the elements, including hydrogen, are listed alphabetically. |
Other examples | Ethane H3CCH3 Ethanol H3CCH2OH CH3CH2C(Br)(Cl)COOH | Ethane C2H6 Ethanol C2H6O H2O4S |
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