Clarification on Chemical Formulas

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    Chemical Formulas
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of a chemical structure represented by zig-zag lines and the corresponding chemical formula. Participants explore the representation of carbon and oxygen atoms within the structure, as well as how to express the formula textually.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the representation of the upper half of a hexagon and suggests that triangles represent repeating oxygen atoms.
  • Multiple participants express confusion regarding the presence of hexagons, asserting that the zig-zag lines depict carbon chains with hydrogen atoms omitted.
  • There is a request for clarification on how to write the chemical formula in text form.
  • Another participant states that each vertex in the structure corresponds to a carbon atom.
  • One participant counts 16 carbon atoms in a specific branch of the structure, starting from the oxygen atom with a double bond, and notes to include the carbon at the end of the chain.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the representation of the structure, with differing views on the presence of hexagons and the interpretation of the zig-zag lines. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact chemical formula and its textual representation.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding assumptions about the structure's representation and the definitions of the chemical components involved. The mathematical steps for deriving the chemical formula are not fully resolved.

Robotesco
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I was wondering what the upper half of the hexagon represents, I assume the Triangles represent O repeating; and how would this formula be written out in text.
Fat_triglyceride_shorthand_formula.PNG
 
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I don't see hexagons here?

These zig-zagged lines are just carbon chains (with hydrogen omitted for clarity). Single line means single bond, double line means double bond.
 
Borek said:
I don't see hexagons here?

These zig-zagged lines are just carbon chains (with hydrogen omitted for clarity). Single line means single bond, double line means double bond.

Any idea on how the chemical formula would be written out?
How many carbon atoms do the zigzags represent after the Oxygen atom?
 
Robotesco said:
How many carbon atoms do the zigzags represent after the Oxygen atom?
Count 'em up.

I count 16 C atoms in the topmost branch, starting where the O has a double-bond. (Don't forget the C at the end of the chain!)
 

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