The empirical formula for a compound with the molecular formula C6H12N2O4 is:
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To determine the empirical formula of a compound, we need to find the simplest whole number ratio of the elements present in the compound. In this case, we are given the molecular formula of the compound, which provides the actual number of atoms of each element present in one molecule.
To find the empirical formula, we will have to divide the number of atoms of each element by their greatest common divisor (GCD) to simplify the ratio.
In the given molecular formula C6H12N2O4, we have:
- 6 carbon atoms (C)
- 12 hydrogen atoms (H)
- 2 nitrogen atoms (N)
- 4 oxygen atoms (O)
Now, we need to find the GCD for these numbers. Since all the numbers are divisible by 2, we can divide them by 2:
- Carbon (C): 6 ÷ 2 = 3
- Hydrogen (H): 12 ÷ 2 = 6
- Nitrogen (N): 2 ÷ 2 = 1
- Oxygen (O): 4 ÷ 2 = 2
So, the simplified ratio of the elements is:
C3H6N1O2
Therefore, the empirical formula for the compound with the molecular formula C6H12N2O4 is C3H6NO2.