Organic Chemistry: Some basic Principles and Techniques

Calculations of Empirical Formulae and Molecular Formulae


Empirical Formula :

Empirical formula of a substance gives the simplest whole number ratio between the atoms of the various elements present in one molecule of the substance. For example, empirical formula of glucose is CH2O, i.e. for each carbon atom, there are two H-atoms and one oxygen atom. Its molecular formula is C6H12O6.

Molecular Formula :

Molecular formula of a substance gives the actual number of atoms present in one molecule of the substance.

Molecular formula = n × Empirical formula
where, n is a simple integer 1, 2, 3,......etc.

\tt n =\frac{Molecular \ mass \ of \ the \ compound}{Empirical \ formula \ mass \ of \ the \ compound}

View the Topic in this Video from 2:18 to 13:20

Disclaimer: Compete.etutor.co may from time to time provide links to third party Internet sites under their respective fair use policy and it may from time to time provide materials from such third parties on this website. These third party sites and any third party materials are provided for viewers convenience and for non-commercial educational purpose only. Compete does not operate or control in any respect any information, products or services available on these third party sites. Compete.etutor.co makes no representations whatsoever concerning the content of these sites and the fact that compete.etutor.co has provided a link to such sites is NOT an endorsement, authorization, sponsorship, or affiliation by compete.etutor.co with respect to such sites, its services, the products displayed, its owners, or its providers.

1. Molecular formula = nx

where, n = \tt \frac{molecular \ mass}{empirical \ formula \ mass}

x = empirical formula