Chemical Structure

There are many compounds where a slight difference in structure can make the compound go from a helpful medicine to a dangerous drug. In chemistry, the structural difference can be between life and death. That is why scientists are conscious of specific enantiomers’ exact structure and properties. It is critical in deciding the biological effects of compounds.

Table of Content

• What is a Chemical Structure?
• Types of Chemical Structure
• Kekule or Lewis Structure
• Condensed Structure
• Skeletal or Line Structure
• Example of Chemical Structure of C₄H₁₀ Isomers
• Significance of Chemical Structure
• What is an Enantiomer?
• Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What is a Chemical Structure?

Chemical Structure is the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule. Chemical structure determines the molecular geometry of the molecule. Russian Chemist Alexander Butlerov acknowledged that molecules are not random clusters of atoms and functional groups but are arranged in a concrete pattern.

Types of Chemical Structure

There are three types of chemical structures.

• Kekule or Lewis Structure
• Condensed Structure
• Skeletal or Line Structure

Kekule or Lewis Structure

• A Kekule or Lewis structure illustrates the valence shell electrons in the molecule.
• It also depicts how atoms are bonded within a molecule.
• In it, electrons are shown as Dots.
• In it, the dash indicates the bond between the atoms.
• A single dash indicates a single bond.
• A double dash indicates a double bond.
• A triple dash indicates a triple bond.
• All atoms and lone pairs are shown in the structure.

Examples

Condensed Structure

A condensed structure represents molecular entities in which atoms of the molecule are shown without a bond.

Examples

Skeletal or Line Structure

A skeletal or line structure represents molecular entities in which bonds between atoms are shown without actual atoms.

Examples

Example of Chemical Structure of C₄H₁₀ Isomers

Significance of Chemical Structure

Chemical Structure plays a vital role in assessing molecular geometry, physical properties and chemical properties of the molecules. It is critical in deciding the biological effects of compounds. A minor change in compound structure can make valuable medicine a harmful drug. That is why scientists are conscious of specific enantiomers’ exact structure and properties.

Example: Thalidomide

• The R enantiomer of Thalidomide is used as an anti-morning nausea cure for pregnant ladies, whereas its S enantiomer can cause congenital disabilities.
• We can also distinguish between isomers by looking at their chemical structure.
• We can also distinguish between enantiomers by looking at their chemical structure.

What is an Enantiomer?

Enantiomers are the pair of molecules that can not be superimposed on each other but are mirror images. They show a comparable boiling point and melting point. An enantiomer can be distinguished by observing direction change when a plane polarised light is passed on it.