Question

Write the empirical formula for these molecular formulas:A) B2H6B). C6H10F8C) C6H12O6

Answer 1

Explanation:

The definition of empirical formula is: "a chemical formula showing the simplest ratio of elements in a compound".

To get the simplest ratio between the elements we will have to cancel the subscripts in the formula.

a) B₂H₆:

In this compound we can divide the subscripts for both elements by two.

So the empirical formula for B₂H₆ is BH₃.

b) C₆H₁₀F₈:

We can also divide the 3 subscripts by 2 and get the empirical formula. It is C₃H₅F₄.

b) C₆H₁₂O₆:

Since 6, 12 and 6 are divisible by 2 and 3, we can divide the subscripts by them to get the simplest ratio of the elements.

The empirical formula is CH₂O.

Answer:

a) BH₃ BH3

b) C₃H₅F₄ C3H5F4

c) CH₂O CH2O