Question

A compound contains only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Combustion of 21.16 mg results in the production of carbon dioxide and water. What is the empirical formula of the compound?

a) CH₂O
b) C₂H₄O
c) C₃H₆O
d) C₄H₈O₂

Answer 1

The empirical formula of the compound is C₃H₆O.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the empirical formula of the compound, we need to calculate the molar amounts of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen present in the sample using the provided masses of carbon dioxide and water. By dividing the molar amounts by the smallest molar amount, we can obtain the ratio between the different elements. In this case, 40.0% C, 6.71% H, and 53.28% O corresponds to a ratio of 1:2:1. Therefore, the empirical formula of the compound is C₃H₆O.