A compound is 53.31% C, 11.18% H, and 35.51% O by mass. What is its empirical formula?

1 Answer
Nick
Sep 13, 2016

#C_2H_5O_1# - ethanol

Explanation:

The atomic weights:

Therefore, 100 g would contain:

Carbon: 53.31 g, which is 53.31 / 12.0107 = 4.4385 moles
Hydrogen: 11.18 g, which is 11.18 / 1.00794 = 11.0919 moles
Oxygen: 35.51 g , which is 35.51 / 15.9994 = 2.2194 moles

Working the ratios:
Carbon: 4.4385 / 2.2194 = 1.9999
Hydrogen: 11.0919 / 2.2194 = 4.9977
Oxygen: 2.2194 / 2.2194 = 1

So, the answer is #C_2H_5O_1#, which is ethanol

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