Markush structure

A Markush structure is a representation of chemical structure used to indicate a group of related chemical compounds. They are commonly used in chemistry texts and in patent claims. Markush structures are depicted with multiple independently variable groups, such as R groups in which a side chain can have varying structure. This more general depiction of the molecule, versus detailing every atom in the molecule, is used to protect intellectual property. The company which applies for a patent makes a general claim for the usage of the molecule without revealing to their competitors the exact molecule for which they are declaring a useful application.