Skeletal structure chemistry is a key component for working through reactions and mechanisms when studying organic chemistry. In this article, I will show you a number of reasons why you should know and understand how to draw skeletal structures for organic compounds.
As an organic chemistry student, you will study many different types of molecules. You will learn to name and identify functional groups, followed by the specific reactions and mechanisms for each of the above.
As you learn the different components, you will find yourself writing the molecules over and over again. And while you can choose to represent your structures in a Lewis Structure or even condense a molecular formula, I will advise against it for the following reasons:
- The chemistry of the skeletal structure is more orderly compared to the other formats.
- Skeletal structures are faster to draw compared to the other structures.
- Skeletal structures are easier to recognize and identify.
Let’s take a look at each ratio individually keeping in mind that skeletal structures, bond line notation, or just line structure all refer to the same type of molecular drawings.
The link line notation is neater compared to the other formats
When writing molecules into reactions, speed is important. The faster you type, the faster you can finish the problem in question and move on to the next example. As you type faster, you will find yourself typing more and more sloppily. By writing detailed structures with each atom shown, you will find yourself sacrificing the neatness of your drawings for the sake of time. The skeletal or line structure is faster and therefore does not require “acceleration” to complete. This will ensure a neat and clean paper.
Skeletal structures are faster to draw compared to the other structures.
As I wrote earlier, the lines are faster to draw compared to each individual carbon and hydrogen atom in its structure. By using a skeletal or linear structure, you can omit the carbon atoms just by drawing lines. Hydrogen atoms are implicit and are therefore also omitted. This dramatically reduces drawing time.
Skeletal structures are easier to recognize and identify.
Last but certainly not least, the lines are neater and easier to identify at a glance. Let’s face it, as a science student, you probably don’t have the neat handwriting. When you extract a molecule with all the atoms and bond angles visible, you likely have a very “squashed” mess of atoms on the paper. However, when you simplify to the line structure, you will find your drawings organized, neat, concise, and therefore easily recognizable at just a glance.
