An organic compound contains 72% carbon, 12% hydrogen and 16% oxygen by mass. The empirical formula of the compound is
A. C8H22O3 B. C6H10O3 C. C12H12O D. C6H12O E. C3H6O
Correct Answer: D
Explanation
carbon = 72%, hydrogen = 12%, 16% Dividing by the atomic weight we have for C = \(\frac{5}{1}\) = 6 H = \(\frac{12}{1}\) = 12 O = \(\frac{16}{16}\) = 1 Divide by the smallest number, we have = \(\frac{6}{1}\) = 6 H = \(\frac{12}{1}\) = 12 O = \(\frac{1}{1}\) = 1 The formula is C6H12O
