Structures and Formulas of Organic Molecules

A good understanding of the nature of bonding allows us to learn how chemists determine the identity of organic molecules and depict their structures. Do not underestimate the importance of drawing structures. Sloppiness in drawing molecules has been the source of many errors in the literature and, perhaps of more immediate concern, in organic chemistry examinations. 

Draw the two constitutional isomers with the molecular formula C4H10, showing all atoms 

When a compound is isolated in nature or from a reaction, a chemist may attempt to identify it by matching its properties with those of known materials. Suppose, however, that the chemical under investigation is new. In this case, structural elucidation requires the use of other methods, most of which are various forms of spectroscopy. These methods will be dealt with and applied often in later chapters. 

Several types of drawings are used to represent molecular structures 

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