Question

An organic compound on analysis gave H=6.8% and O=51.42 %. Empirical formula, if the compound contains 12 atoms of carbon, is:

(C=12, H=1, O=16)

• A. $C_{12}{H}_{12}{O}_{12}$
• B. $C_{12}{H}_{20}{O}_{12}$
• C. $C_{12}{H}_{24}{O}_{12}$
• D. none of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D none of the above

% of Carbon $=100-(51.42+6.8)=42.1$
Element % Ratio Simplest Ratio(nearest whole number)
Carbon $41.78/12=3.48$ $3.48/3.21=1$
Hydrogen $6.8/1=6.8$ $6.8/3.2=2$
Oxygen $51.42/16=3.21$ $3.21/3.21=1$

Hence, empirical formula is $C{H}_{2}O$ .