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Structural Formula? (Quick)

If asked to write the structural formula of a compound, must you include every hydrogen/carbon/methyl group etc. Or can I just draw the lines, i.e. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pentan-1-ol-2D-skeletal.png
?

Thanks

Reply 1

BJack

A skeletal structure should be fine.

Reply 2

shaneli

No, you have to include the letters, particularly if it's an exam. Unless they specify "skeletal formula", in which case you have to do the lines.

Cheers! :smile:

Reply 3

Number6

Yes that's fine :smile:

but you should show the stereochemistry at any chiral centres.

Reply 4

gingerbreadman85

Original post by shaneli

No, you have to include the letters, particularly if it's an exam. Unless they specify "skeletal formula", in which case you have to do the lines.

Cheers! :smile:

This. Unless otherwise stated, assume they want explicit structural formula. It's an ass, but better safe than sorry.