The empirical formula of an unknown carbohydrate is determined to be . If its experimental molecular — Mole Concept and Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry Chemistry Question
Question
The empirical formula of an unknown carbohydrate is determined to be $CH_2O$. If its experimental molecular mass is found to be $120\text{ u}$, the true molecular formula of the compound is:
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
Step 1: Calculate the Empirical Formula Mass (EFM). $\text{EFM of } CH_2O = 12 + (2 \times 1) + 16 = 30\text{ u}$. Step 2: Determine the multiplying integer ($n$). $n = \frac{\text{Molecular Mass}}{\text{Empirical Formula Mass}} = \frac{120}{30} = 4$. Step 3: Multiply the empirical formula subscripts by $n$. Molecular Formula $= (CH_2O)_4 = C_4H_8O_4$.
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