Question

the empirical formula of a hydrocarbon (compound that contains only c and h) is found to be ch. laboratory procedures have found that the molar mass of the compound is 78 g/mol. what is the molecular formula of this compound? * (1 point) enter your answer

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate empirical formula mass

The empirical formula is \( CH \). The atomic mass of \( C \) is \( 12 \, g/mol \) and \( H \) is \( 1 \, g/mol \). So empirical formula mass \( = 12 + 1 = 13 \, g/mol \).

Step2: Find the ratio of molar mass to empirical formula mass

Molar mass of compound is \( 78 \, g/mol \). Ratio \( n=\frac{78}{13}=6 \).

Step3: Determine molecular formula

Multiply each atom in empirical formula by \( n \). So molecular formula is \( C_{1\times6}H_{1\times6}=C_6H_6 \).

Answer:

\( C_6H_6 \)