Question

if a compound has an empirical formula of ch₂o and the ratio from molar mass division is 2, what is the molecular formula? a. c₂h₄o₂ b. ch₂o c. c₂h₂o₂ d. c₄h₈o₄

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the relationship between molecular formula and empirical formula

The molecular formula \(M = n\times E\), where \(E\) is the empirical formula, \(n=\frac{\text{molar mass of }M}{\text{molar mass of }E}\), and here \(n = 2\), \(E=\text{CH}_2\text{O}\).

Step2: Calculate the molecular formula

Multiply each sub - script in the empirical formula by \(n\). For \(E=\text{CH}_2\text{O}\), when \(n = 2\), we have \(C_{1\times2}H_{2\times2}O_{1\times2}=C_2H_4O_2\).

Answer:

a. \(C_2H_4O_2\)