Chapter 4, Problem 1IA.7Q

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The condensed and skeletal structures for the given Lewis structures of isobutane and $\text{n-butane}$.

Introduction:

Skeletal structure shows the bonds between the carbon atoms in the form of lines in two dimensions. The bond between the two carbon atoms is indicated by a line. The number of $\text{C}-\text{H}$ bonds to any carbon atoms is equal to four minus the bonds formed by the carbon.

In condensed structure formula the structures are written from left to right in one line and this structural formula is simple as it does not show any bonds or lone pairs of atoms and shows no connectivity of atoms in a molecule. It shows the shorter way to draw a molecule and is more simplified than Lewis structure. It shows all atoms except the vertical bonds and most or all the horizontal bonds.