Question

a compound has the empirical formula given below.
c₂h₆o
which compound represents the molecular formula with a scale factor of 3?
cho
c₄h₁₂o₂
c₆h₁₈o₃

Explanation:

Step1: Recall molecular formula from empirical formula

To find the molecular formula from the empirical formula with a scale factor \( n \), we multiply each subscript in the empirical formula by \( n \). Here, the empirical formula is \( \text{C}_2\text{H}_6\text{O} \) and \( n = 3 \).

Step2: Multiply each subscript by 3

For carbon (C): \( 2\times3 = 6 \)
For hydrogen (H): \( 6\times3 = 18 \)
For oxygen (O): \( 1\times3 = 3 \)

So the molecular formula is \( \text{C}_6\text{H}_{18}\text{O}_3 \).

Answer:

\( \text{C}_6\text{H}_{18}\text{O}_3 \) (the third option, \( \text{C}_6\text{H}_{18}\text{O}_3 \))