Some of the formulas could be either molecular or empirical formulas; however, some can only be molecular formulas. Which of the formulas must be molecular formulas?

Question

CH C6H12O6 C5H9 C4H5N2O C8H10N4O2

Answer 1

So, what's the difference between empirical and molecular formulas?

If you can divide the subscripts to get lower values, then it is NOT empirical. Empirical formula has the lowest whole number values.

CH - empirical

C₆H₁₂O₆ - molecular (empirical would be CH₂O)

C₅H₉ - empirical

C₄H₅N₂O - empirical

C₈H₁₀N₄O₂ - molecular (empirical would be C₄H₅N₂O)