structural formula

formula

 [for´mu-lah] (pl. formulas, for´mulae) (L.)

1. an expression, using numbers or symbols, giving the directions for preparing a compound (such as a medicine) or giving a procedure to follow to obtain a desired result.

2. a mixture for feeding an infant, usually with cow's milk as a base, supplemented with vitamins and minerals. Various formulas are available, differing in protein, fat, and carbohydrate content in order to meet the nutritional requirements or restrictions of individual infants.

chemical formula a combination of symbols used to express the chemical components of a substance.

empirical formula a chemical formula that expresses the proportions of the elements present in a substance.

molecular formula a chemical formula expressing the number of each element present in a substance, without indicating how they are linked.

spatial formula (stereochemical formula) a chemical formula giving the numbers of atoms of each element present in a molecule of a substance, which atom is linked to which, the types of linkages involved, and the relative positions of the atoms in space.

structural formula a chemical formula showing the spatial arrangement of the atoms and the linkage of every atom.

struc·tur·al for·mu·la

a formula in which the connections of the atoms and groups of atoms, as well as their kind and number, are indicated.

Synonym(s): constitutional formula, graphic formula

struc·tur·al for·mu·la

(strŭk'shŭr-ăl fōrm'yū-lă)

A formula in which the connections of the atoms and groups of atoms, as well as their kind and number, are indicated.