Question

Write the molecular and empirical formulas of the following compound: C₆H₁₂O₆

a) Molecular: C₆H₁₂O₆; Empirical: CH₂O

b) Molecular: C₃H6O₃; Empirical: CH₂O

c) Molecular: C₂H₄O₂; Empirical: CH₂O

d) Molecular: C₆H₁₂O₆; Empirical: C₂H₄O₂

Answer 1

The molecular formula for the compound C₆H₁₂O₆ is C₆H₁₂O₆ and the empirical formula is CH₂O (a). The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in the compound.

Step-by-step explanation:

The molecular and empirical formulas of the compound C₆H₁₂O₆ are as follows:

• Molecular formula: C₆H₁₂O₆
• Empirical formula: CH₂O

To find the empirical formula, divide the subscripts in the molecular formula by the greatest common divisor to find the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in the compound. In this case, the ratio of C:H:O is 6:12:6, which simplifies to 1:2:1 when each term is divided by 6, giving the empirical formula CH₂O.

Based on the given information, the correct answer is a) Molecular: C₆H₁₂O₆; Empirical: CH₂O.