What is the molecular formula of a compound with a molar mass of 180.2 grams/mole and the empirical formula #CH_2O#?

1 Answer
anor277
Feb 9, 2016

The molecular formula is ALWAYS a whole number multiple of the empirical formula.

Explanation:

Thus #"MOLECULAR FORMULA"# #=# #("EMPIRICAL FORMULA")xxn#.

So #180.2*g*mol^-1=nxx(12.011 +2xx1.00794+15.999)*g*mol^-1 = 30xxn#.

#n=6#, and #"MOLECULAR FORMULA"# #=# #6xx(CH_2O) = C_6H_12O_6#.

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