What is the empirical formula of propene? Of polypropene?

1 Answer
anor277
Mar 13, 2017

#"Propylene"# has an empirical formula of #CH_2#; #"polypropylene"# has the same empirical formula.

Explanation:

The empirical formula is the simplest whole number ratio that defines constituent atoms in a species. If we were to get a sample of propylene of known mass, and burn it under oxygen, and then analyze the products (carbon dioxide and water), we would find a #2:1# molar ratio between hydrogen and carbon.

Since #"polypropylene"# is the polymer of the propylene monomer, we would find exactly the same empirical formula.

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