Final answer:
The empirical formula of the compound containing 36.76% iron and oxygen is Fe2O3, also known as iron (III) oxide, which is an ionic compound used to treat iron deficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The empirical formula of a compound used to treat iron deficiency in people that contains 36.76% iron and the rest oxygen is Fe2O3. This is determined by calculating the mole ratio of iron to oxygen and adjusting to the smallest whole number ratio. Initially, you might get a formula like Fe₁O₁.5, which indicates that there are 1.5 moles of oxygen for every mole of iron. However, to get to a whole number ratio, both moles are multiplied by 2, yielding 2 moles of iron and 3 moles of oxygen, thus giving the empirical formula Fe2O3. This compound is known as iron (III) oxide, an ionic compound commonly found as the mineral hematite.