The ribonucleic acids (RNA) that are so important in the biosynthesis of proteins all contain the sugar D-ribose, which contains three elements: C, H, and O. Elemental analysis suggests that D-ribose is 40.00% C and 6.71% H by weight. What is the empirical formula of this compound?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The empirical formula is determined by the simplest whole number ratio of moles of each element. Given the percentages, the ratio of C:H:O is approximately 1:2:1, which corresponds to CH₂O.

The Ribonucleic Acids (RNA) That Are So Important in the Biosynthesis