Question

The percent composition by mass of an unknown chlorinated hydrocarbon was found to be 37.83% C, 6.35% H, and 55.83% Cl by mass. What is the empirical formula of this compound?

Answer 1

Answer:

C2H4Cl

Explanation:

The first step in obtaining the empirical formula is to divide the percent by mass of each element by its relative atomic mass;

C- 37.83/12, H- 6.35/1, Cl- 55.83/35.5

3.15, 6.35, 1.57

Divide through by the lowest ratio

3.15/1.57, 6.35/1.57, 1.57/1.57

2, 4, 1

Hence, empirical formula is C2H4Cl