Structural Structural a convenient way to show way to show the arrangement a molecule. in Straight-Chain and Branched-Chain Hydrocarbons: Mainsnwoumulqsp34llnelOUnd Straight chain means that the carbons are attached in a continuous line... without any branchs to the outside....ex C-C-C-C-C-C- that's a very simplified diagram of a straight carbon chain. Straight-Chain contains carbon atoms, one after the other, in a chain. Branched Chain means n a straight carbon chain there will be branched of other carbon chains