Answer:
No correct answer listed. See explanation for defense.
Explanation:
Given
C: 40.92% => 40.92g/100wt => (40.92/12)moles C = 3.41 moles O
H: 4.58% => 4.58g/100wt => (4.58/1)moles H = 4.58 moles H
O: 54.50% => 54.5g/100wt => (54.5/16)moles O = 3.41 moles O
Empirical ratio => C : H: O => (3.41/3.41) : (4.58/3.41) : (3.41/3.41) => 1 : 1.34 : 1
=> C : H : O => 3(1 : 1.34 : 1) => 3 : 4 : 3 => Empirical Formula C₃H₄O₃
Molecular Weight = Empirical Formula Wt x N
176.12 = 88 x N
N = whole number multiple of empirical formula = 176.12/88 = 2
∴ Molecular Formula => (C₃H₄O₃)₂ => C₆H₈O₆
Note => Only ionic compounds (salts) have subscripts reduced to lowest whole number ratios. Molecular compounds as C₆H₈O₆ are not reduced to lowest whole number ratios. Therefore, there is no correct answer in the answer choice list for the 'Molecular Formula'. Doc :-)
