A sample of compound X is subjected to elemental analysis and the following percentages by weight are found: 39.97% C, 6.73% H, and 53.30% O. The molecular weight of X is 90. What is the empirical formula of X? A) C₆HO₈ B) C₂H₄O₂ C) C₄H₁₀O₂ D) C₃H₆O₃ E) CH₂O

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the empirical formula, we convert the percentages to moles by dividing by the atomic masses (approximately 12 for C, 1 for H, and 16 for O): C: 39.97/12 = 3.33 moles, H: 6.73/1 = 6.73 moles, O: 53.30/16 = 3.33 moles. The ratio of C:H:O is approximately 1:2:1, which matches the empirical formula CH2O.

A Sample of Compound X Is Subjected to Elemental Analysis