What is indicated by the term "skeletal formula"?

The term "skeletal formula" refers to a simplified representation of a molecule that focuses on the connectivity of its atoms. In this representation, carbon atoms are often depicted as vertices or ends of lines, while hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon are usually omitted for clarity. This approach makes it easier to visualize the overall structure of organic compounds without cluttering the diagram with all the hydrogen atoms. The skeletal formula emphasizes the functional groups and structural features of the molecule, allowing chemists to quickly interpret the structure without being distracted by the hydrogen atoms that are implicitly understood to be present.

In this context, the other choices do not accurately describe skeletal formulas. For instance, a complex 3D representation would involve spatial orientations and is typically not how skeletal formulas are represented. An empirical formula provides information about the ratio of atoms in a compound but does not convey structural details, and actual bond angles are not illustrated in skeletal formulas, which prioritize connectivity over three-dimensional geometric details.