structural formula struc·tur·al formula (strŭk'chər-əl)
A chemical formula that shows the number and kinds of atoms in a molecule and how the atoms and bonds in the molecule are arranged.
structural formula |
A chemical formula that shows how the atoms making up a compound are arranged within the molecule. For example, the structural formula of aspirin is CH3COOC6H4COOH, indicating that it consists of an acetyl group (CH3COO) attached to the carboxylic acid (COOH) of a phenyl group (C6H4). Compare empirical formula, molecular formula.