Question

A carbon compound on analysis gave the following percentage composition. Carbon 14.5%, hydrogen 1.8%, chlorine 64.46%, oxygen 19.24%. Calculate the empirical formula of the compound.

Answer 1

Step 1: Percentage composition of the elements present in the compound.

Step 2: Dividing by the respective atomic weights

Step 3: Dividing the values in step 2 among them by the smallest number.

Step 4: Multiplication by a suitable integer to get whole number ratio.

∴ The simplest ratio of the atoms of different elements in the compound. 

C : H : Cl : O = 2 : 3 : 3 : 2

∴ Empirical formula of the compound C₂H₃Cl₃O₂.