Answer:
e) C5H10O3
Explanation:
According to the information given in this question;
50.84% represents C
8.53% represents H
[100% - (50.84 + 8.53)]
= 100 - 59.37
= 40.63% of Oxygen (O)
This percentage means that;
Carbon = 50.84g
Hydrogen = 8.53g
Oxygen = 40.63g
By dividing by their respective atomic masses, we convert to moles:
C = 50.84g ÷ 12 = 4.24mol
H = 8.53g ÷ 1 = 8.53mol
O = 40.63g ÷ 16 = 2.54mol
Next we divide by the smallest no of the values (2.54mol)
C = 4.24 ÷ 2.54 = 1.669
H = 8.53 ÷ 2.54 = 3.358
O = 2.54 ÷ 2.54 = 1
To get a simple whole number ratio, we multiply the results by 3
C = 1.669 × 3 = 5.007
H = 3.358 × 3 = 10.074
O = 1 × 3 = 3
Simple whole number ratio of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen is 5:10:3. Hence, the empirical formula is C5H10O3.
