Question

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of the following compounds whose molecular formulas are given, select the ones that have empirical formulas that are the same as the molecular formulas.
butanol, c4h10o
pentane, c5h12
paraffin, c25h52
octane, c8h18
glucose, c6h12o6
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Explanation:

• Butanol (\(C_4H_{10}O\)): The ratio of \(C:H:O = 4:10:1\). There is no common factor among \(4\), \(10\), and \(1\) other than \(1\). So, the empirical formula is the same as the molecular formula.
• Pentane (\(C_5H_{12}\)): The ratio of \(C:H=5:12\). There is no common factor among \(5\) and \(12\) other than \(1\). So, the empirical formula is the same as the molecular formula.
• Paraffin (\(C_{25}H_{52}\)): The ratio of \(C:H = 25:52\). There is no common factor among \(25\) and \(52\) other than \(1\). So, the empirical formula is the same as the molecular formula.
• Octane (\(C_8H_{18}\)): The ratio of \(C:H=8:18 = 4:9\). The empirical formula is \(C_4H_9\), which is different from the molecular formula \(C_8H_{18}\).
• Glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)): The ratio of \(C:H:O=6:12:6 = 1:2:1\). The empirical formula is \(CH_2O\), which is different from the molecular formula \(C_6H_{12}O_6\).

Answer:

butanol, \(C_4H_{10}O\); pentane, \(C_5H_{12}\); paraffin, \(C_{25}H_{52}\)