An unknown compound was determined to be 74.97% carbon, 8.39% hydrogen, and 16.64% oxygen. calculate the empirical formula

C₆H₈O

Explanation:

Empirical Formula: This is the simplest formula of a compound.

From the question,

Percentage by mass of the elements: C = 74.97%, H = 8.39%, O = 16.64%

Molar mass of the elements : C = 12 g/ mole, H = 1 g/mole, O = 16 g/mole

Step 1: Divide the percentage by mass by the molar mass

 C                       :         H                   :           O

 74.97/12                   8.39/1                     16.64 /16

6.2475               :       8.39                :          1.04

Step 2: Dived by the smallest ratio ( 1.04)

C                         :        H                   :              O

6.2475/1.04        :      8.39/1.04        :              1.04/1.04

6                          :      8                     :               1

Hence, The empirical formula of the compound = C₆H₈O

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