Molecular Formula
Compare mass of empirical formula to formula mass of molecule X (empirical formula) = (molecular formula)
Sample Problem 7-14 We found the empirical formula for a compound of phosphorous and oxygen to be P 2 O 5. Experimentation shows that the molar mass of this compound is g/mole. What is the compound's molecular formula? Find mass of empirical formula: 2P: 2 ( ) = 5O: 5( ) = Sum: g/mole
Sample Problem 7-14 Continued Compare molar mass to empirical mass: / = 2 Write molecular formula: P 2 O 5 x 2 = P 4 O 10