An organic compound contains 72% carbon, 12% hydrogen and 16% oxygen by mass. The empirical...

Chemistry

JAMB 1985

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

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Correct Answer: Option 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

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