chemical structure

Bonds between atoms

Chemical structure is the arrangement of atoms within a molecule—which atoms bond to which, in what pattern.

A structural formula shows these connections explicitly, unlike a molecular formula that merely lists what's present.

Two compounds can have identical molecular formulas but different structures, giving them distinct properties: The chemical structures of ethanol and dimethyl ether are completely different despite sharing the same atoms.

molecular

molecule

Bonded atomic group

  • bondBinding tie or connection
  • atomElement's smallest unit
  • latticeOpenwork of crossed strips

crystal · helix · polymer · chain · ring · framework · network · conformation · geometry · stereochemistry

composition

formula

Fixed method or notation

inorganic · covalent · ionic · stoichiometry · valence · electron · orbital · reactivity · synthesis · crystalline

Opposites
molecular organization

chemical structurechaos

Complete disorder and confusion

representation type

chemical structurechemical formula

Symbolic substance representation

molecular formula · empirical formula · chemical composition · chemical symbol · molecular weight

level of description

chemical structurephysical properties

Measurable traits of matter

chemical reactivity · biological function

Family

structure, chemistry, chemical, chemist, structural, chemically, biochemical, biochemistry, structurally

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Rated G