Answer:
CH4O
Step-by-step explanation:
Empirical formula of a compound represents the smallest whole number ratio of its constituent elements.
To find the empirical formula, we say:
37.48% C = 37.48g of Carbon
12.58% H = 12.58g of Hydrogen
49.93% O = 49.93g of Oxygen
We convert each mass to mole by dividing by their respective atomic mass.
C=12g/mol, H=1g/mol, O=16g/mol
C = 37.48/12 = 3.123mol
H = 12.58/1= 12.58mol
O = 49.93/16 = 3.121mol
Next, we divide each mole value by the smallest (3.121mol)
C = 3.123/3.121 = 1.0006
H = 12.58/3.121 = 4.03
O = 3.121/3.121 = 1
Approximately, the empirical formula of
CHO is in ratio 1:4:1
Hence, CH4O is the empirical formula