Molecular Equation
A chemical equation in which all reactants and products are written as complete, undissociated formulae.
Formula / equation
AgNO₃(aq) + NaCl(aq) → AgCl(s) + NaNO₃(aq)
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
The molecular equation is the most convenient form for stoichiometric calculation and for identifying what to weigh out, but it misrepresents what is physically present, since strong electrolytes exist in solution as separated ions rather than intact formula units.
Examples in the real world
Writing H₂SO₄ + 2NaOH → Na₂SO₄ + 2H₂O, though none of the aqueous species is actually undissociated.