Question

Determine the molecular formula given the information below. The empirical formula for a compound is CH2O and the molecular weight is 180.156 g/mol.

A. C6H12O6
B. C2H4O2
C. C3H6O3
D. C4H8O4

Answer 1

The molecular formula is C6H12O6, which corresponds to the empirical formula CH₂O.

Step-by-step explanation:

The molecular formula is C6H12O6 because one molecule actually contains 6 C, 12 H, and 6 O atoms. The simplest whole-number ratio of C to H to O atoms in glucose is 1:2:1, so the empirical formula is CH₂O.