How do you recognize a molecular compound from its formula?

The formula for a molecular compound consists always of non-metallic that are chemically combined together. So, a formula of ammonia, which is ##NH_3##, represents a molecular compound, as both the atoms of nitrogen and hydrogen are non-metals. The formula for ethanol, ##C_2H_5OH##, is another example of a molecular compound, where all the atoms in the formula are non-metallic elements.

For more information about covalent or molecular , read Covalent or Molecular Compound Nomenclature.