Question

a compound with the molar mass 180 g/mol has an empirical formula of ch₂o. what is the molecular formula of the compound? c₄h₈o₄ c₆h₁₂o₆ ch₂o c₂h₄o₂

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate the empirical formula mass

The empirical formula is \(CH_2O\). The atomic masses are \(C = 12\space g/mol\), \(H= 1\space g/mol\), \(O = 16\space g/mol\).
The empirical formula mass \(M_{empirical}=(1\times12)+(2\times1)+(1\times16)=30\space g/mol\)

Step2: Find the ratio \(n\)

The molar mass \(M = 180\space g/mol\).
We use the formula \(n=\frac{M}{M_{empirical}}\)
\(n=\frac{180}{30}=6\)

Step3: Determine the molecular formula

Multiply each sub - script in the empirical formula by \(n\).
For \(CH_2O\), when \(n = 6\), the molecular formula is \(C_{6}H_{12}O_{6}\)

Answer:

\(C_{6}H_{12}O_{6}\)