Empirical and molecular formula
Empirical and molecular formula
Formula
Molecular formula = (Empirical formula) × n
Real World
When GlaxoSmithKline synthesises aspirin (C₉H₈O₄), chemists first determine its empirical formula from combustion analysis before confirming the molecular formula via mass spectrometry.
Exam Focus
Show your working clearly: write out the mole ratio step explicitly — examiners award method marks even if your final formula is wrong.
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