An organic substance containing C, H and O gave the following percentage composition :
C = 40.687%, H = 5.085% and O = 54.228%. The vapour density of the compound is 59. The molecular formula of the compound is
| Element | Symbol | Percentage of element | Atomic mass of element | Relative number of atoms = | Simplest atomic ratio | Simplest whole number atomic ratio |
| Carbon | C | 40.687 | 12 | 2 | ||
| Hydrogen | H | 5.085 | 1 | 3 | ||
| Oxygen | O | 54.228 | 16 | 2 |
∴ Empirical formula is C2H3O2
∴ Empirical formula mass of C2H3O2= 59
Also, Molecular mass = 2 × Vapour density = 2 × 59 = 118
∴
Now, Molecular formula = n × (Empirical formula) = 2 × (C2H3O2) = C4H6O4
∴ Molecular formula is C4H6O4.