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

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

H2 is a molecular formula; it represents a diatomic molecule of hydrogen, consisting of two atoms of the element that are chemically bonded together.

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

The molecular formula is then obtained by multiplying each subscript in the empirical formula by n, as shown by the generic empirical formula AxBy:

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

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

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5 "Cat" to "Celt" by Various