Vitamin C contains the elements C,H,and O.It is known to contain 40.9% C and 4.58% H by mass.The molar mass of vitamin C has been found to be about 180 g/mol.The molecular formula for vitamin C is: A)C₂H₃O₂ B)C₃H₄O₃ C)C₄H₆O₄ D)C₆H₈O₆ E)C₁₄H₁₈

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The empirical formula is determined by the percentage composition, and the molecular formula is found by comparing the empirical formula mass to the molar mass. The empirical formula mass of C₃H₄O₃ is 88 g/mol, and the molar mass is 180 g/mol, which is approximately twice the empirical formula mass. Therefore, the molecular formula is C₆H₈O₆.

Vitamin C Contains the Elements C,H,and O