2007-11-22 12:03:36 · 3 answers · asked by Salvador 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Molecular formula simply states how many of each element are in a compound. Structural formula tells you the arrangement of those atoms and how they are connected to each other. This is very important when dealing with organic compounds.
Example: Dimethyl Ether and Ethanol
The Molecular formula for both is C2H6O but the structural formulas are different.
Dimethyl Ether is CH3OCH3 while Ethanol is CH3CH2OH.
Dimethyl Ether is very posionous to us while Ethanol is only slightly toxic (it's the alcohol we drink). So, it is very important to know the structure and how the elements are bound to each other, not just how many and of which types.
2007-11-22 12:20:34 · answer #1 · answered by lhvinny 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
molecular formula only shows what molecules are present while a structural formula shows you how the molecules are connected together.
2007-11-22 12:17:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The difference is google. Oh also, probably your textbook. Herp Derp.
2016-05-25 01:27:32 · answer #3 · answered by kaitlyn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋