Shapes of Organic Molecules; σ & π Bonds (Cambridge International A-Level Chemistry)

Exam board Cambridge International · A-LevelUpdated 2026-07-02

Straight, branched and cyclic organic molecules are also called aliphatic compounds as long as they do not contain a benzene ring

Straight-chain organic molecules are those in which the carbon atoms are connected to each other in one continuous chain

Structural formula of butane, showing a linear chain of four carbon atoms single-bonded with ten hydrogen atoms in total.

Pentane is a straight-chain organic molecule as the carbon atoms are connected in a straight line

Branched organic molecules have side groups attached to the main chain of carbon atoms

Structural formula of 2,3-dimethylbutane, showing six carbon atoms bonded with hydrogen atoms in a branched configuration.

2-methylbutane is a branched organic molecule as the main chain (consisting of 4 carbon atoms) has a methyl branch

Cyclic organic molecules are those in which the carbon atoms are connected to each other in a ring shape

Chemical structure diagram of cyclohexane, featuring a hexagonal ring of carbon atoms, each bonded to two hydrogen atoms.

Cyclopentane is a cyclic organic molecule as the carbons are attached to each other in a ring structure

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