Question

How can you determine if the molecular formula of a compound is the same as its empirical formula?

Answer 1

Well, you need an estimate of molecular mass....................

Explanation:

As you know the `"empirical formula"` is the simplest whole number ratio that defines constituent atoms in a species. The `"molecular formula"` is a whole number ratio of the `"empirical formula"`, and of course, the ration MIGHT be one, i.e.:

`"molecular formula"` `-=` `nxx"(empirical formula)"`.

There exist a variety of sporting techniques to get the molecular formula, i.e. an estimate of molecular mass: e.g. boiling point elevation; osmotic pressure; freezing point depression.