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The molecular formula is the formula of a discrete (single) molecule of the substance.

The formula unit is generally defined in the same way as the empirical formula, which is the simplest whole number ratio of the elements

Chemical formula includes both molecular and formula units.

Examples:-

Benzene a molecule consisting of a ring of 6 carbon atoms each with a hydrogen attached:-

  • molecular formula C6H6
  • formula unit CH (which is the result you would get if you analysed the compound and worked out the atomic ratio of carbon to hydrogen.

NaCl is ionic so you cannot write a molecular formula you express the compound simply as the formula unit (empirical formula)- in its simplest case NaCl (never Na2Cl2 or some such)

How can you tell whether a formula is molecular formula or a formula unit. Well if the formula could be "simplified" like benzene C6H6 could be simplified to CH then you know its a molecular formula. Something like SO2 and TiO2, well you need to be told. (SO2 is molecular, TiO2 is ionic)

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Q: What is the formula unit of molecular compounds?
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