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
jamb 1985chemistry

The correct answer is D. C6H12O

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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