molecular formula

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a chemical formula that indicates the kinds of atoms and the number of each kind in a molecule of a compound.

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molecular formula British  

noun

1. a chemical formula indicating the numbers and types of atoms in a molecule Compare empirical formula structural formula

   H2SO4 is the molecular formula of sulphuric acid

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molecular formula Scientific  

1. A chemical formula that shows the total number and kinds of atoms in a molecule, but not their structural arrangement. For example, the molecular formula of aspirin is C ₉ H ₈ O ₄.

2. Compare empirical formula structural formula

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Etymology

Origin of molecular formula

First recorded in 1900–05

Compare meaning

How does molecular-formula compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• empirical vs. molecular formula
• empirical formula vs. molecular formula
• molecular formula vs. structural formula

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

molecular formula

"It's capturing the actual molecular formula of space".

From BBC ● Apr. 29, 2026

With a molecular formula of C17H24O7, the compound was found to feature a distinctive ribose moiety, identified as α-ribofuranoside through stereochemical analysis.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 11, 2024

Determine the empirical and molecular formula for chrysotile asbestos.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

For example, the molecular formula for acetic acid, the component that gives vinegar its sharp taste, is C2H4O2.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

This fact, coupled with the determination of the vapour density of the gas, establishes the molecular formula CO.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 3 "Capefigue" to "Carneades" by Various