A compound contains 40.0% carbon, 6.7% hydrogen and 53.3% oxygen. If the molar mass of the compound is 180. Find the molecular formula.

[H = 1, C = 12, O = 16]

  • A C\(_3\)H\(_6\)O\(_3\)
  • B C\(_6\)H\(_6\)O\(_3\)
  • C C\(_6\)H\(_{12}\)O\(_6\)
  • D CH\(_2\)O
jamb 2019chemistry

The correct answer is C. C\(_6\)H\(_{12}\)O\(_6\)

C → 40/12 ≈ 3

H â†’ 6.7/1 â‰ˆ 6

O â†’ 53.3/16 â‰ˆ 3

dividing through with the lowest value, 3

C\(_1\)H\(_2\)O\(_1\)

[C\(_1\)H\(_2\)O\(_1\)]n = 180

[12 + 2 + 16]m = 180

30n = 180 

n = 6

:C\(_6\)H\(_12\)O\(_6\)

Previous question Next question