Molecular & Empirical Formulae (Cambridge International AS Chemistry)

Molecular & Empirical Formulae of Organic Compounds

• The molecular formula shows the number and type of each atom in a molecule

  • E.g. the molecular formula of ethanoic acid is C₂H₄O₂

• The empirical formula shows the simplest whole number ratio of the elements present in one molecule of the compound

  • E.g. the empirical formula of ethanoic acid (C₂H₄O₂) is CH₂O

Worked Example Deduce the molecular and empirical formula of the following compounds:

Answers: