Question

on analysis an organic compound shows that it contains 40.92% carbon by mass , 4.58% hydrogen by mass, determine the empirical formula of the compound (C=12,H=1,O=16)

Answer 1

The empirical formula of the compound is C3H4

• Given, the compound contains

40.92% carbon by mass

4.58% hydrogen by mass

• So , Simple Atomic Ratio of Carbon = 40.92/12

= 3.41

• Simple Atomic Ratio of Hydrogen = 4.58/1.008

= 4.46

• So now,

Ratio of Hydrogen = 4.46/3.41

= 1.3

• It means 1 C combines with 1.3 hydrogen

So 3 carbons will combine with 4 hydrogens

• Therefore the compound is C3H4