This suggests that
all the oxygen is united to the S; (HO)_{2}SO_{2} suggests that two
atoms of hydroxyl exist in the molecule; then, again, we might write the
formula HSO_{2}OH, or H_{2}OSO_{3}. All of these are justifiable, and
each might be useful to explain certain reactions of sulphuric acid, but
to use one only creates a false impression. The only plan is to use them
variously and capriciously, according to the reaction to be explained.
Again, ethyl acetate may be written--
H_{3}C\
H_{2}C/
\
O
/
OC\
H_{3}C/
Or condensed--
H_{5}C_{2} \
}O
H_{3}C_{2}O/
Or H_{5}C_{2}O.C_{2}H_{3}O, or H_{5}C_{2}.C_{2}H_{3}O_{2}. Now each
of these two latter formulae is a partial formula, each represents a
one-sided view; it is justifiable if you use both, but unfair if you use
only one.
We now come to the question as to the existence or non-existence of
two distinct classes of compounds, one in which the atoms are combined
directly or indirectly with each other, and the other in which a group
of atoms is combined as an integer with some other group of atoms,
without any atomic connection by so-called molecular combination.
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