Simplest Formula Definition in Chemistry

The simplest formula or empirical formula for glucose indicates each molecule has hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen in a ratio of 2:1:1.
The simplest formula or empirical formula for glucose indicates each molecule has hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen in a ratio of 2:1:1. PASIEKA / Getty Images
By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
Learn about our Editorial Process
Updated on August 09, 2019

The simplest formula of a chemical compound is a formula that shows the ratio of elements present in the compound in terms of the simplest positive ratio of atoms. The ratios are denoted by subscripts next to the element symbols. Simplest formula is also known as empirical formula.

Chemistry Lesson
Read More
Empirical Formula: Definition and Examples
By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Simplest Formula Examples

Some times the simplest formula is the same as the molecular formula. A good example is water, which has both the simplest and molecular formula H2O. For larger molecules, the simplest and molecular formula are different, but the molecular formula is always a multiple of the simplest formula.

Glucose has a molecular formula of C6H12O6. It contains 2 moles of hydrogen for every mole of carbon and oxygen. The simplest or empirical formula for glucose is CH2O.

Format
mla apa chicago
Your Citation
Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Simplest Formula Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-simplest-formula-in-chemistry-605918. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 26). Simplest Formula Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-simplest-formula-in-chemistry-605918 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Simplest Formula Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-simplest-formula-in-chemistry-605918 (accessed April 19, 2024).