Cambridge O Level Chemistry · Syllabus 5070 · Organic Chemistry
Displayed Formula
What is Displayed Formula?
A representation of a molecule in which every atom is written and every covalent bond is drawn as a line, so that no bond is hidden inside a condensed group such as OH or COOH.
This definition is part of the Organic Chemistry chapter in Cambridge O Level Chemistry.
Common mistakes with Displayed Formula
- “The displayed formula of ethanol is CH3CH2OH.” why it fails That is a structural formula. It compresses C–H and O–H bonds into text instead of drawing them. correct A displayed formula shows every atom and every bond as a line, including the O–H bond that “OH” hides. Taught in 11.1A.
- 1. “The displayed formula of ethanol is CH3CH2OH.” defect A structural formula supplied where a displayed one was demanded. why “Displayed” is a technical requirement, not a style. Every bond must appear as a line, and “OH” hides one. repair Draw the O joined to C by a line and the H joined to that O by another: –O–H. transfer Draw the displayed formula of propan-2-ol and count the bonds. You should reach 11.
Questions students ask about Displayed Formula
What is the difference between a structural formula and a displayed formula?
A structural formula is an unambiguous but condensed line of text, such as CH3CH2OH, in which the connectivity is clear but individual bonds are not drawn. A displayed formula shows every atom and every covalent bond as a line, including bonds hidden inside a condensed group such as OH — so ethanol's displayed formula must show the O-H bond explicitly, not compress it into the letters "OH".
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