To turn a molecular formula into an empirical formula, follow these easy steps:

1. Find the Molecular Formula: This formula usually looks like $C_xH_yO_z$. Here, $x$, $y$, and $z$ show how many atoms of each element are in the compound.

2. Count the Atoms: Look at the molecular formula and count how many of each atom there are. For example, in $C_6H_{12}O_6$, you would count:

   • 6 carbon atoms
   • 12 hydrogen atoms
   • 6 oxygen atoms

3. Find the Greatest Common Factor (GCF): Look for the biggest number that can divide all those atom counts evenly. In our example, the GCF is 6.

4. Make the Empirical Formula: Now, divide each atom count by the GCF:

   • For Carbon: $6 \div 6 = 1$
   • For Hydrogen: $12 \div 6 = 2$
   • For Oxygen: $6 \div 6 = 1$

So, the empirical formula is $CH_2O$.

Key Point: The empirical formula shows the simplest whole-number ratio of the atoms in a compound.