An organic compound contains 72% carbon, 12% hydrogen and 16% oxygen by mass. The empirical formula of the compound is

An organic compound contains 72% carbon, 12% hydrogen and 16% oxygen by mass. The empirical formula of the compound is

Answer Details

carbon = 72%, hydrogen = 12%, 16%

Dividing by the atomic weight we have for C = $\frac{5}{1}$ = 6

H = $\frac{12}{1}$ = 12

O = $\frac{16}{16}$ = 1

Divide by the smallest number, we have = $\frac{6}{1}$ = 6

H = $\frac{12}{1}$ = 12

O = $\frac{1}{1}$ = 1

The formula is C6H12O