Question

an analysis of a sugar compound is found to contain 216 grams of carbon (c), 36 grams of hydrogen (h), and 288 grams of oxygen (o). determine the empirical formula of the compound.

Answer 1

216g C 36g H 288g O

1 mol C
216 g C x -------------- = 18 mol C
12.01 g C


1 mol H
36 g H x ----------- = 35.64 --> 36 mol H
1.008 g H


1 mol O
288 g O x ------------ = 18 mol O
16.0 g O

C18H36O18 ---->(simply to lowest ration)---> CH2O