Dot between the molecular formula of compounds

In summary, the dot between two adjacent molecular formulas in compounds like CuSO4.10H20, CaCO3.MgCO3, and K2SO4.Al2(SO4)3.24H20 indicates that the substance can be considered as a mixture of other substances in a constant ratio. This notation is commonly used for hydrates, but can also be used for other situations such as minerals written in oxide form. In some cases, the substances may be non-covalently associated together, but in others, such as dolomite, this is not the case.
  • #1
donaldparida
146
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I have seen many instances of molecular formulas of two or more compounds with a dot between two adjacent molecular formulas like CuSO4.10H20, CaCO3.MgCO3, K2SO4.Al2(SO4)3.24H20 and so on. What does the dot indicate?
 
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  • #2
That the substance can be thought of as if it was a stoichiometric (that is, in a simple, constant ratio) mixture of other substances. Sometimes they can be separated, sometimes they can't, so there is no deeper meaning.
 
  • #3
Generally, it refers to substances non-covalently associated together, such as the case of hydrates.
 
  • #4
Ygggdrasil said:
substances non-covalently associated together

You are right that's what we usually mean when it comes to hydrates, but the same notation is used also for other situations. Sometimes minerals are written in the oxide form (at least that's how it is called in Polish), like spinel being MgO⋅Al2O3. Also dolomite MgCO3⋅CaCO3 is hardly made of non-covalently associated entities.
 
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1. What is a dot between the molecular formula of compounds?

A dot between the molecular formula of compounds is known as a chemical bond. It represents the sharing or transfer of electrons between atoms, which holds the atoms together to form a molecule.

2. Why is a dot used in molecular formulas?

The use of a dot in molecular formulas allows us to easily identify the number and types of atoms present in a molecule. It also helps to show the arrangement of atoms within the molecule and the types of chemical bonds present.

3. How is a dot placed between atoms in a molecular formula?

A dot is placed between atoms in a molecular formula based on the number of valence electrons each atom has. These electrons are shown as dots around the symbol of the atom, with each side of the symbol representing a different direction in space.

4. What does the position of the dot represent in a molecular formula?

The position of the dot in a molecular formula represents the location of the atom in space and its orientation in relation to other atoms in the molecule. This helps to show the three-dimensional structure of the molecule.

5. Is the number of dots always the same as the number of valence electrons in an atom?

In most cases, yes. The number of dots in a molecular formula is usually equal to the number of valence electrons in an atom. However, there are some exceptions, such as molecules with expanded octets, where the number of dots may exceed the number of valence electrons.

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