Write the molecular and structural formulas for the compounds represented by the following molecular models:

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the different types of atoms in the molecular model. The grey spheres represent carbon (C) atoms, the white spheres represent hydrogen (H) atoms, and the yellow sphere represents a sulfur (S) atom.
2. Count the number of each type of atom in the model. There are 3 carbon atoms, 8 hydrogen atoms, and 1 sulfur atom.
3. Write the molecular formula based on the count of each type of atom: C3H8S.
4. Determine the connectivity of the atoms to write the structural formula. The central carbon is bonded to a sulfur atom and two other carbon atoms. Each of these carbon atoms is bonded to hydrogen atoms to complete their valence.
5. Draw the structural formula: CH3-CH2-CH2-SH.

Key Concepts

Molecular Formula

The molecular formula of a compound indicates the number and types of atoms present in a molecule. It is expressed using chemical symbols, where each element's symbol is followed by a subscript that denotes the number of atoms of that element in the molecule. For example, the molecular formula C2H6 indicates a molecule containing two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms.

Structural Formula

The structural formula provides a visual representation of the arrangement of atoms within a molecule, showing how atoms are bonded to each other. It can depict single, double, or triple bonds and the spatial orientation of the atoms. This is crucial for understanding the molecule's geometry and reactivity, as different arrangements can lead to different chemical properties.

3D Molecular Models

3D molecular models are physical or digital representations of molecules that illustrate their three-dimensional structure. These models help visualize the spatial arrangement of atoms and the bonds between them, which is essential for understanding molecular interactions and properties. They can also aid in predicting the behavior of molecules in chemical reactions and biological systems.