A formula giving the number of atoms of each of the elements present in one molecule of a specific compound.
Compare with empirical formula, structural formula
Example sentencesExamples
Isomers are nothing more than two or more compounds that have identical molecular formulas, but different chemical structures and physical properties.
The molecular formula, showing the exact number of each kind of atom, can be determined in several ways, but discovering the arrangement of these atoms requires a large amount of detective work.
They have 8-13 carbon atoms in their molecular formula.
Elemental analysis is often used to confirm the molecular formula deduced from spectroscopic experiments.
Special kinds of chemical formulas, called molecular formulas, are used to represent the kinds of atoms and the number of each kind of atom in a molecule.
Definition of molecular formula in US English:
molecular formula
noun
Chemistry
A formula giving the number of atoms of each of the elements present in one molecule of a specific compound.
Compare with empirical formula, structural formula
Example sentencesExamples
The molecular formula, showing the exact number of each kind of atom, can be determined in several ways, but discovering the arrangement of these atoms requires a large amount of detective work.
Isomers are nothing more than two or more compounds that have identical molecular formulas, but different chemical structures and physical properties.
Special kinds of chemical formulas, called molecular formulas, are used to represent the kinds of atoms and the number of each kind of atom in a molecule.
They have 8-13 carbon atoms in their molecular formula.
Elemental analysis is often used to confirm the molecular formula deduced from spectroscopic experiments.