A compound analyzes as 18.0% carbon,2.26% hydrogen,and 79.7% chlorine.Calculate the empirical formula of the compound.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the empirical formula, we calculate moles of each element by dividing the percentage by the atomic mass: C (18.0% / 12.01 ≈ 1.5), H (2.26% / 1.008 ≈ 2.24), Cl (79.7% / 35.45 ≈ 2.25). The ratio of C:H:Cl is approximately 1:1.5:1.5, which simplifies to 1:1.5:1.5. The closest empirical formula with integers is CH2Cl2, matching choice E.

A Compound Analyzes as 18