Answer:
C₁₁H₁₂NO₄
Explanation:
In order to determine the empirical formula of doxycycline, we need to follow a series of steps.
Step 1: Determine the centesimal composition
C: 59.5 mg/100 mg × 100% = 59.5%
H: 5.40 mg/100 mg × 100% = 5.40%
N: 6.30 mg/100 mg × 100% = 6.30%
O: 28.8 mg/100 mg × 100% = 28.8%
Step 2: Divide each percentage by the atomic mass of the element
C: 59.5 /12.0 = 4.96
H: 5.40/1.00 = 5.40
N: 6.30/14.0 = 0.450
O: 28.8/16.0 = 1.80
Step 3: Divide all the numbers by the smallest one
C: 4.96/0.450 = 11
H: 5.40/0.450 = 12
N: 0.450/0.450 = 1
O: 1.80/0.450 = 4
The empirical formula of doxycycline is C₁₁H₁₂NO₄
