Molecular to Empirical

[Tiffany Tufenkjian 1E]

If we are given the molecular formula NH4OH, is it best to write the empirical formula as H5NO or would it remain the same?

[Priscilla Okaiteye]

It would remain the same. The empirical formula is the formula of the chemical equation with the lowest ratio or the most simplified version of the formula. It would not be H5NO because that is a whole different formula.

[704992521]

No, that would change the structure of the molecule. The molecular formula would technically be the same as empirical in this case I think

[Jose Lupian 1C]

I think it is best if you kept the formula that you were given the same. In this example, the empirical and molecular formula are the same since molecular formula can't be reduced any further.

[Rummel Requerme 1E]

It would remain the same. Changing it like that would translate a different structure.

[Corryn Doll]

For this specific structure, both the empirical and molecular formulas are going to be the same as the empirical formula represents the smallest ratio of each element needed. If you were to change it as you did, then you would in fact be writing an equation for a different structure entirely.

[Yitzchak Jacobson 1F]

in this case that you specifically mentioned, I advise leaving both the empirical and molecular formulas the same.

[Chem_Mod]

It would not be wrong for now, but there is a reason why it's written NH4OH (ammonium hydroxide). NH4+ is an ammonium ion, and OH- is a hydroxide ion. These ions form a ionic compound. Please review sections B-D if you are not sure about polyatomic ions and naming compounds.

[Maria Zamarripa 1L]

the empirical is the ratio rather than the actual so you would just simplify as much as possible.

[Yitzchak Jacobson 1F]

In this case, I would just leave it the same. I understand your confusion regarding this topic because I had a very similar problem.
Hope this info helps! :)