Question

What is the difference between molecular formula and structural formula?

Answer 1

Molecular formula	Structural formula
The molecular formula is also called the chemical formula which shows the number of atoms or molecules present in a compound with their respective ratios.	The structural formula signifies the arrangement of atoms in a compound.
It signifies the ratio between atoms and compounds	It gives the knowledge of the position of atoms present in the compound as well as the presence of the functional group.
The molecular formula can be used for naming the simple compounds.	The structural formula can be used for naming complex compounds.
It also helps in determining whether the compound is binary, ternary, quaternary or even has many more molecules.	It also helps in predicting the chemical and physical behaviour of the compound.
Example: The molecular formula of glucose is ${\mathrm{C}}_6{\mathrm{H}}_{12}{\mathrm{O}}_6$, in which carbon consists of 6 atoms, hydrogen is having 12 and oxygen is having 6 atoms.	Example: The structural formula of acetaldehyde ${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{CHO}$ is as follows: