A compound is 37.48% C, 12.58% H, and 49.93% O by mass. Part A What is the empirical formula of the compound

CH4O

Explanation:

Empirical formula of a compound represents the smallest whole number ratio of its constituent elements.

To find the empirical formula, we say:

37.48% C = 37.48g of Carbon

12.58% H = 12.58g of Hydrogen

49.93% O = 49.93g of Oxygen

We convert each mass to mole by dividing by their respective atomic mass.

C=12g/mol, H=1g/mol, O=16g/mol

C = 37.48/12 = 3.123mol

H = 12.58/1= 12.58mol

O = 49.93/16 = 3.121mol

Next, we divide each mole value by the smallest (3.121mol)

C = 3.123/3.121 = 1.0006

H = 12.58/3.121 = 4.03

O = 3.121/3.121 = 1

Approximately, the empirical formula of

CHO is in ratio 1:4:1

Hence, CH4O is the empirical formula