Question

match the structural formula to the chemical formula for this substance.

o $c_{2}h_{2}(oh)_{2}$
o $hoc_{2}oh$
o $c_{2}h_{6}o_{2}$
o $h_{4}co_{3}h_{2}$

Explanation:

Step1: Count the number of each atom

• Count carbon atoms: There are 2 carbon atoms.
• Count hydrogen atoms: Each carbon has 3 hydrogen atoms attached (total 6) and 2 from hydroxyl groups (total 2), so \(6 + 2=8\) hydrogen atoms.
• Count oxygen atoms: There are 2 oxygen atoms.

Step2: Write the chemical formula

The chemical formula is \(C_{2}H_{6}O_{2}\)

Answer:

\(C_{2}H_{6}O_{2}\)