Butyric acid has a very unpleasant odor. It is present in some rotting foods, body odor and vomit. Butyric acid has a molar mass of 88.10 g/mol and consists of 54.53% C, 9.153% H, and 36.32% O. What is the molecular formula of butyric acid?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The empirical formula is determined by dividing the percentage composition by the atomic masses, resulting in C: 54.53/12.01, H: 9.153/1.008, O: 36.32/16.00. This simplifies to a ratio close to C:4, H:8, O:2, which matches the molecular formula C₄H₈O₂ given the molar mass of 88.10 g/mol.

Butyric Acid Has a Very Unpleasant Odor