Question

which of the following is an example of an empirical formula? a c₂h₂o₂ b c₄h₈ c c₇h₁₄cl₂ d c₆h₉o₃ e c₈h₁₀

Explanation:

An empirical formula gives the simplest whole - number ratio of atoms in a compound. For option A, the ratio of C : H : O is 1:1:1 ($\frac{2}{2}:\frac{2}{2}:\frac{2}{2}$), for B the ratio of C : H is 1:2 ($\frac{4}{4}:\frac{8}{4}$), for C the ratio of C : H : Cl is 7:14:2 which is already in simplest form, for D the ratio of C : H : O is 2:3:1 ($\frac{6}{3}:\frac{9}{3}:\frac{3}{3}$), for E the ratio of C : H is 4:5 ($\frac{8}{2}:\frac{10}{2}$). Since the empirical formula is the simplest whole - number ratio of atoms, and in option D, the ratio of elements is in the simplest whole - number form among the given options.

Answer:

D. $C_{6}H_{9}O_{3}$