Acetic acid, which is present in vinegar, was found to consist of 40.00% C, 6.71% H, and 53.29% O by mass. Find the empirical formula for acetic acid

C2HO

Explanation:

According to this question, acetic acid has a composition of 40.00% C, 6.71% H, and 53.29% O.

This means that;

40.00% C = 40.00g of Carbon

6.71% H = 6.71g of Hydrogen

53.29% O = 53.29g of Oxygen

First, we convert each mass to mole by dividing by their respective atomic mass;

C = 12g/mol, O = 16g/mol, H = 1 g/mol

C = 40.00/12 = 3.33moles

H = 6.71/1 = 6.71moles

O = 53.29/16 = 3.33moles

Next, we divide each mole by smallest value (3.33moles);

C = 3.33/3.33 = 1

H = 6.71/3.33 = 2.01

O = 3.33/3.33 = 1

Approximately, the empirical ratio of CHO is 1:2:1. Therefore, the empirical formula is CH2O.

Acetic acid, which is present in vinegar, was found to consist of by mass. Find the empirical formula for acetic acid