Element | % composition | At. wt. | Relative no. of atoms | Simplest ratio |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oxygen | 51.42 | 16 | 51.42/16 = 3.213 | 3.213/3.213 = 1 |
Hydrogen | 6.48 | 1 | 6.48/1 = 6.48 | 6.48/3.213 = 2.016 = 2 |
Carbon | 100 – (51.42 + 6.48) = 42.1 | 12 | 42.1/12 = 3.508 | 3.508/3.213 = 1.091 = 1 |
Simplest ratio of whole numbers = O : H : C = 1 : 2 : 1
As number of carbon atoms = 12
Therefore, O : H : C = 12 : 24 : 12
Hence, empirical formula is C12H24O12