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

For those without chemistry degrees, C2H4 is the molecular formula for ethylene, which ripens plants.

From New York Times

Getting FDA approval for a generic drug such as this can be almost as simple as supplying the molecular formula.

From Scientific American

A drugmaker doesn’t disclose the molecular formula for a new medication in its tax filings.

From BusinessWeek

There is some doubt as to the molecular formula of fulminic acid.

From Project Gutenberg

The probability, however, is that no simple molecular formula adequately represents the constitution of cellulose as it actually exists or indeed reacts.

From Project Gutenberg