Chapter 10, Problem 9STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The empirical formula for ${\text{C}}_6{\text{H}}_6$ should be identified from the given choices.

Concept Introduction: An empirical formula represents the various atoms in a compound in the simplest whole-number ratio. It does not represent the actual number or arrangement of atoms in a compound.

Answer to Problem 9STP

The empirical formula for ${\text{C}}_6{\text{H}}_6$ is (A) $\text{CH}$ .

Explanation of Solution

Given:

  ${\text{(A) CH (B) CH}}_2{\text{ (C) C}}_2{\text{H}}_5{\text{ (D) CH}}_3\text{ (E)}\text{}{\text{ C}}_2{\text{H}}_3$

The molecular formula of the given compound is ${\text{C}}_6{\text{H}}_6$ .

To determine the empirical formula, the subscripts of the molecular formula are reduced to the simplest whole-number ratio:

  ${\text{C}}_{\frac{6}{6}}{\text{H}}_{\frac{6}{6}}{\text{= C}}_1{\text{H}}_1$

Hence, the empirical formula for ${\text{C}}_6{\text{H}}_6$ is (A) $\text{CH}$ .