Answer:
The empirical formula is C2H5O
Explanation:
Step 1: Data given
Suppose the mass of the compound = 100.0 grams
The compound contains:
53.31 % C = 53.31 grams C
11.18 % H = 11.18 grams H
35.51 % O = 35.51 grams O
Step 2: Calculate moles
moles = mass / molar mass
Moles C = 53.31 grams / 12.01 g/mol
Moles C = 4.439 moles
Moles H = 11.18 grams / 1.01 g/mol
Moles H = 11.07 moles
Moles O = 35.51 grams / 16.0 g/mol
Moles O = 2.22 moles
Step 3: Calculate mol ratio
We divide by the smallest amount of moles
C: 4.439 / 2.22 = 2
H: 11.07 / 2.22 = 5
O: 2.22/2.22 = 1
C2H5O
The empirical formula is C2H5O
