Skeletal Formula - Stereochemistry

Stereochemistry

Stereochemistry is conveniently denoted in skeletal formulae:

• solid lines represent bonds in the plane of the paper or screen
• wedges represent bonds that point out of the plane of the paper or screen, towards the observer
• dashed lines represent bonds that point into the plane of the paper or screen, away from the observer
• wavy lines represent either unknown stereochemistry or a mixture of the two possible stereoisomers at that point

• 2-chloro-2-fluoropentane
• The stereochemical skeletal formula of 2-chloro-2-fluoropentane
• The other possibility for 2-chloro-2-fluoropentane
• The skeletal formula of amphetamine, a mixture of both R and S stereoisomers

Skeletal formulae can depict cis and trans isomers of alkenes. Wavy single bonds are the standard way to represent unknown or unspecified stereochemistry or a mixture of isomers (as with tetrahedeal stereocenters). A crossed double-bond has been used sometimes, but is no longer considered an acceptable style.