Chapter 5, Problem 1SAQ

What is the empirical formula of the compound with the molecular formula ${\text{C}}_{10}{\text{H}}_8$ ?

• ${\text{C}}_5{\text{H}}_3$
• $\text{CH}$
• ${\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_4$
• ${\text{C}}_5{\text{H}}_4$

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Find the empirical formula of the compound with molecular formula of ${\text{C}}_{\text{10}}{\text{H}}_8$ .

Concept introduction:

The simplest whole number ratio of the different atoms present in a compound is given by formula which is said to be an empirical formula.

Correct answer:

Option (d) is the correct answer.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for the correct option: The representation of exact number of atoms present for each element in the compound is given by formula said to be a molecular formula.

Option (d) is the empirical formula for the compound ${\text{C}}_{\text{10}}{\text{H}}_8$ . The ratio of atoms of Carbon to atoms of Hydrogen is $10:8$ . This ratio will be reduced to simple ratio as $5:4$ . So, the empirical formula is found to be as ${\text{C}}_{\text{5}}\text{H}₄$ .

Reasons for the incorrect options: Option (a) is given as, ${\text{C}}_{\text{5}}{\text{H}}_3$ which is not the empirical formula of ${\text{C}}_{\text{10}}{\text{H}}_8$ . The simplification ratio of Carbon and Hydrogen doesn’t find in this case. So, this is a wrong option.

Option (b) is given as, $\text{CH}$ which is not the empirical formula of ${\text{C}}_{\text{10}}{\text{H}}_8$ . The simplification ratio of Carbon and Hydrogen doesn’t find in this case. So, this is a wrong option.

Option (c) is given as, ${\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_4$ which is not the empirical formula of ${\text{C}}_{\text{10}}{\text{H}}_8$ . So, this is a wrong option.

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