The molecular formula of a covalent compound is the formula that shows the number of atoms of each element present in one molecule of the compound.
eg. 1:
The molecular formula of ethane is C2H6, meaning the ethane molecule contains two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms.
eg. 2:
The molecular formula of nicotine is C10H14N2, meaning the nicotine molecule contains ten carbon atoms, fourteen hydrogen atoms, and two nitrogen atoms.
see also structural formula, degree of unsaturation
