structural formula

SEE SYNONYMS FOR structural formula ON THESAURUS.COM

noun Chemistry.

a chemical formula showing the linkage of the atoms in a molecule diagrammatically, as H–O–H.
Compare empirical formula, molecular formula.

Origin of structural formula

First recorded in 1885–90

Words nearby structural formula

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British Dictionary definitions for structural formula

structural formula

noun

a chemical formula showing the composition and structure of a molecule. The atoms are represented by symbols and the structure is indicated by showing the relative positions of the atoms in space and the bonds between them H–C≡C–H is the structural formula of acetylene See also empirical formula, molecular formula

Medical definitions for structural formula

structural formula
[ strŭk′chər-əl ]

n.

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.

Scientific definitions for structural formula

structural formula
[ strŭk′chər-əl ]

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.