Term: skeletal structure
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.S05708

Definition:
The sequence of atoms in the constitutional unit(s) of a macromolecule, an oligomer molecule, a block or a chain which defines the essential topological representation.

Related Terms:
1) sequence (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.ST06775).
2) constitutional unit(s) (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C01288).
3) macromolecule (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.M03667).
4) oligomer molecule (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.O04286).
5) block (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.B00682).
6) chain (<em>in polymers</em>) (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C00946).

Source: PAC, 1996, 68, 2287. 'Glossary of basic terms in polymer science (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 2296 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668122287)

Citation: 'skeletal structure' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.S05708

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