Answer:
C₂H₂O₃
Explanation:
The empirical formula of a compound is derived bu finding the whole ratios of the constituent elements.
In succinic acid, the ratios of carbon to hydrogen to oxygen is calculated as follows:
<u>% mass</u>
Carbon- 40.60
Hydrogen - 5.18
Oxygen - 54.22
<u>RAM</u>
Carbon -12
Oxygen - 15.994
Hydrogen -1.008
<u>No of moles elements in the compound</u>
Carbon = 40.60/12=3.3833
Oxygen = 54.22/15.994= 3.39
Hydrogen= 5.18/1.008 = 5.1389
Mole ratios of the individual elements we divide by the smallest value of the number of moles.
Carbon: Hydrogen : Oxygen
3.3833/3.3833:3.39/3.3833:5.1389/3.3833
=1:1:1.5
We can multiply the value by 2 to get the whole number ratio.
=2:2:3
The empirical formula will be:
C₂H₂O₃
