Answer:
C3H6O
Explanation:
To get the molecular formula, we are going to divide the percentage compositions by the atomic masses. The atomic masses of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are 12, 1 and 16 respectively.
The division goes on as follows:
C = 62.0/12 = 5.17
O = 27.5/16 = 1.72
H = 10.4/1 = 10.4
We go on to divide by the smallest which is that of the oxygen which is 1.72
C = 5.17/1.72 = 3
O = 1.72/1.72 = 1
H = 10.4/1.72 = 6
The empirical formula is thus C3H6O
Now, to get the molecular formula.
[C3H6O]n = 58.1
( 3(12) + 6(1) + 16)n = 58.1
58n = 58.1
n = 1
The molecular formula is thus C3H6O
