formula unit

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. (of an ionic compound that does not form molecules, as most salts) the chemical formula with the least number of elements out of the set of empirical formulas having the same proportion of ions as elements.

   NaCl is the formula unit for the ionic compound sodium chloride.

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

• formula unit vs. molecule

Example Sentences

The group has hired Morgan Stanley to conduct a strategic review of its infant formula unit Mead Johnson in Greater China, the sources said, declining to comment as the information is confidential.

From Reuters

The French maker of Activia yogurt and Aptamil baby milk said last week it was calling time on efforts to revive its flagship infant formula unit and would instead buy a larger stake in state-linked milk producer China Mengniu Dairy Co.

From The Wall Street Journal

The maker of Activia yogurt and Evian water said it was selling its Dumex baby formula unit to Yashili International Holdings Ltd 1230 3.52 % and would in return take a larger stake in Chinese dairy giant China Mengniu Dairy Co.

From The Wall Street Journal

Nestle, which was named in the pricing probe but escaped a fine, saw the smallest spike in online chatter about its Wyeth infant formula unit, which flattened in July and August.

From Reuters

Mengniu, which produces milk, ice-cream and yogurt, had been in talks with UBS AG about a potential bid for Pfizer's Wyeth baby formula unit, which the pharmaceutical company said in July it would sell or spin off to shareholders, the FT reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

From Reuters