Condensed structures

Definition

Condensed structures are simplified representations of molecules in organic chemistry that show the arrangement of atoms without explicitly drawing all bond lines between them. They list each central atom along with the atoms connected to it, typically omitting single bonds and using subscripts for multiple identical groups or atoms.

Related terms

Molecular formula: Represents the types and numbers of atoms present in a molecule but does not describe its structure.

Skeletal formula: A type of molecular notation in which carbon atoms are not shown explicitly and carbon-carbon bonds are represented by lines.

Lewis structure: A diagram that shows the bonding between atoms of a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist in the molecule