ASChemistryCambridge (CIE)Revision Notes13. An Introduction to AS Level Organic ChemistryFormulas, Functional Groups & the Naming of Organic CompoundsMolecular & Empirical Formulae

Molecular & Empirical Formulae (Cambridge (CIE) AS Chemistry) : Revision Note

Philippa Platt

Last updated

Molecular & Empirical Formulae of Organic Compounds

  • The molecular formula shows the number and type of each atom in a molecule

    • Eg. the molecular formula of ethanoic acid is C2H4O2

  • The empirical formula shows the simplest whole number ratio of the elements present in one molecule of the compound

    • Eg. the empirical formula of ethanol is CH2O

Worked Example

Deduce the molecular and empirical formula of the following compounds:

worked-examples-empirical-and-molecular-formula

Answers:

3-1-an-introduction-to-as-level-organic-chemistry-answers-worked-example---deducing-molecular-and-empirical-formulae_2

You've read 1 of your 5 free revision notes this week

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

  • I would just like to say a massive thank you for putting together such a brilliant, easy to use website.I really think using this site helped me secure my top gradesin science and maths. You really did save my exams! Thank you.

    Beth
    IGCSE Student

  • This website is soooo useful and I can’t ever thank you enough for organising questions by topic like this. Furthermore, the name of the website could not have been more appropriate as it literally did SAVE MY EXAMS!

    Fathima
    A Level Student
Test yourself

Did this page help you?

Previous:Naming of Organic CompoundsNext:Characteristic Organic Reactions
Philippa Platt

Author: Philippa Platt

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener

Download notes on Molecular & Empirical Formulae