Vinegar contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen with percent masses of 40.01% C and 6.70% H. If the molar mass of vinegar is about 60 g/mol, what is its molecular formula?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The empirical formula based on the percent composition is CH2O. The molar mass of CH2O is 30 g/mol. Since the molar mass of vinegar is about 60 g/mol, the molecular formula is twice the empirical formula, which is C2H4O2.

Vinegar Contains Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen with Percent Masses of 40.01