structural formula

noun

, Chemistry.

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

structural formula

noun

1. See molecular formula, empirical formula
   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 See also empirical formula molecular formula

   H–C≡C–H is the structural formula of acetylene

structural formula

/ strŭk′chər-əl /

1. 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 CH 3 COOC 6 H 4 COOH, indicating that it consists of an acetyl group (CH 3 COO) attached to the carboxylic acid (COOH) of a phenyl group (C 6 H 4 ).
2. Compare empirical formula

Word History and Origins

Origin of structural formula¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The structural formula for benzene, C6H6, is one which it is difficult and inconvenient to reproduce in type.

From Project Gutenberg

With the structural formula of Harries as a clue chemists all over the world plunged into the problem with renewed hope.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence guanidine from its structural formula is a carbodiamidimide.

From Project Gutenberg