Question

An organic compound contains carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Its elemental analysis gave C, 38.71% and H, 9.67%. The empirical formula of the compound would be

(a) CHO

(b) CH₄O

(c) CH₃O

(d) CH₂O

Answer 1

The correct option : (c) CH₃O

Explanation :

Element	%	Atomic mass	mole ratio	simple ratio
C	38.71	12	38.71/12 = 3.22	3.22/3.22 = 1
H	9.67	1	9.67/1 = 9.67	9.67/3.22 = 3
O	51.62	16	51.62/16 = 3.22	3.22/3.22 = 1

Hence empirical formula of the compound would be CH₃O.