A formula giving the proportions of the elements present in a compound but not the actual numbers or arrangement of atoms.
Compare with molecular formula, structural formula
Example sentencesExamples
- The empirical formula of a compound is that which is obtained through laboratory research.
- Analysis showed it to have an empirical formula that doesn't correspond to any compound that's ever been reported.
- Butene and ethene have the same empirical formula CH 2 but different molecular and structural formulas.
- The simplest version of the formula is the empirical formula.
- When the chemical formula of an ionic compound is written down, it is the empirical formula that is used.