Source: Extra Practice
An organic compound contains carbon, hydrogen, and the rest is oxygen. If the molar mass of the compound is , its molecular formula is:
Options
Option A is correct
C_6H_{12}O_6
Option B
CH_2O
Option C
C_2H_4O_2
Option D
C_3H_6O_3
Explanation
Percentage of Oxygen = . Calculate the relative number of atoms: , , . The simple whole number ratio is . Thus, the empirical formula is . Empirical formula mass = . To find the molecular formula, calculate . Molecular formula = . Option 2 is the empirical formula, and Options 3 and 4 have incorrect molar masses ( and respectively).