What is the empirical formula of a compound that contains 27.0% S, 13.4% O, and 59.6% Cl by mass? A) SOCl₂ B) S₂OCl C) SOCl D) SO₂Cl E) ClSO₄

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The empirical formula is determined by converting the percentage of each element to moles and finding the simplest whole number ratio. For S: 27.0 g / 32.07 g/mol = 0.842 mol; for O: 13.4 g / 16.00 g/mol = 0.8375 mol; for Cl: 59.6 g / 35.45 g/mol = 1.681 mol. The simplest ratio is approximately 1:1:2, corresponding to SOCl₂.

What Is the Empirical Formula of a Compound That Contains