Condensed Structural Formulas

Condensed structural formulas are important since they provide a shorthand method of showing chemical structures that are easy to draw(type) without specialized software.  You'll see condensed structural formulas used frequently.  These are best learned by looking at examples as shown below. 

Structure Condensed Structural Formula

CH3CH2CH2CH3

or

CH3(CH2)2CH3

 
CH3CH2CH(CH3)2
C(CH3)4
CH3CH(CH3)CH2CH3
CH3CH2CHO
CH3CH2CH2OH
   
PitfallMany students regularly confuse -CHO- (aldehyde) with -COH- (alcohol).  Look at the last two examples above to be sure you understand the difference.