What is the empirical formula of C5H10?

1 Answer
anor277
Dec 10, 2015

The empirical formula of #C_5H_10# is #CH_2#

Explanation:

The empirical formula is the simplest whole number ratio that describes constituent atoms in a species. #C_5H_10# of course can be reduced to #CH_2#.

The molecular formula is always a multiple of the empirical formula (the multiple might be 1). A very useful parameter with molecular formulae is the "degree of unsaturation" concept. An alkane has the general formula #C_nH_(2n+2)# (this could be the same as the empirical formula!). If presented with a molecular formula #C_nH_(2n)# we would say that this molecule has #1^@# of unsaturation. A degree of unsaturation has a double bond (#C=C#, #C=O#, #C=N#) OR a ring to account for the absence of the 2 hydrogens. Simple acetylenes have 2 degrees of unsaturation. Why?

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