Vitamin C is known chemically by the name ascorbic acid.Determine the empirical formula of ascorbic acid if it is composed of 40.92% carbon,4.58% hydrogen,and 54.50% oxygen.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The empirical formula is determined by converting the percentage composition to moles and finding the simplest whole number ratio. For ascorbic acid: C: 40.92/12.01 = 3.41, H: 4.58/1.008 = 4.54, O: 54.50/16.00 = 3.41. The simplest ratio is approximately 3:4:3, giving the empirical formula C₃H₄O₃.

Vitamin C Is Known Chemically by the Name Ascorbic Acid