The condensed, bond line and complete formulae of n-butane are respectively
Show Hint
Remember the different representations of organic molecules:
- Condensed: Shows atoms along the chain ($\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\dots$).
- Bond Line: A zig-zag line where ends/vertices are $\text{C}$ atoms, and $\text{H}$ atoms are implied.
- Complete/Expanded: Shows every atom and every single bond.
Step 1: Define n-butane and its structure.
n-butane is a straight-chain alkane with the molecular formula $\text{C}_4\text{H}_{10}$.
The structure is a chain of four carbon atoms.
Step 2: Identify the Condensed Formula.
The condensed structural formula shows the atoms in a molecule in a line, with groups attached to each carbon atom explicitly stated, but without showing every single bond.
For n-butane, this is $\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_3$.
This corresponds to item I.
Step 3: Identify the Bond Line (Skeletal) Formula.
The bond line formula (also called the skeletal formula) is a simplified representation where carbon atoms are at the ends and vertices of the lines, and hydrogen atoms attached to carbons are generally omitted.
For n-butane ($\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_3$), this is represented by a zig-zag line with four points (two ends and two vertices).
This corresponds to item II in the diagram (the zig-zag line with no letters).
Step 4: Identify the Complete (Expanded) Structural Formula.
The complete structural formula (also called the expanded formula) shows all the atoms in the molecule and all the bonds connecting them.
For n-butane, this shows the chain of four carbons and all ten hydrogens explicitly bonded to the carbons.
This corresponds to item III in the diagram (the one with all H's and C's shown).
Step 5: Determine the required order.
The question asks for the order: Condensed, Bond Line, Complete.
The order is I, II, III.
