what is the difference between chemical formula and linear structure of a compound?
Molecular formula tells what atoms and number of atoms. Structural formula tells how they are bonded together.
Example: Molecular formula C2H6O.
Molecular formulas could be
CH3-O-CH3 Dimethyl ether or
CH3-CH2-OH Ethyl alcohol
In other words,
Molecular formula just tells you what atoms are in there and how many.
Structural tells you how they are connected.
Example: Molecular formula C2H6O.
Molecular formulas could be
CH3-O-CH3 Dimethyl ether or
CH3-CH2-OH Ethyl alcohol
In other words,
Molecular formula just tells you what atoms are in there and how many.
Structural tells you how they are connected.