Empirical Formula : It is the simple whole number ratio of different types

of atoms present in one molecule of the compound.

Molecular formula represents the actual formula of different types of atoms

present in one molecule of the given compound
Molecular mass
n = Empirica formula mass

Molecular formula = Empirical formula X n

Molecular Formula Empirical Formula n

C6H12O6 CH2O 6
C2H6 CH3 2
C2H4 CH2 2

Numericals :

An organic compound contains C=40%, H=6.7% . If the molecular mass of

the compound is 60, find its empirical and molecular formulae.

Element At % Relative no of Simplest ratio Whole

Mass moles number
ratio
C 12.01 40 40 3.33 1
= 3.33 =1
12.01 3.33

H 1.008 6.67 6.67 6.62 2

= 6.62 = 1.99
1.008 3.33
O 16.0 53.33 53.33 3.33 1
= 3.33 =1
16 3.33

Empirical formula = CH2O

Empirical formula mass = CH2O = 12 + 2+16 = 30

Molecular mass = 60
Molecular mass
n = Empirica formula mass
 60
n = 30 = 2

Molecular formula = n X empirical formula

2X CH2O = C2H4O2

Note : Molecular mass = 2X Vapour density