Key Point The simplest whole number ratio of the elements, present in any compound is called to empirical formula Given Total mass of an organic compound =64g Carbon (C)=24g Hydrogen (H)=8g Oxygen (O)=64−(24+8)=32g Thus, empirical formula is
Element
At weight (M)
Given weight (W)
No. of moles (n)[=
W
M
]
C
12
24
24/12=2
H
1
8
8/1=8
O
16
32
32/16=2
Hence, formula =C2H8O2 and its empirical formula =CH4O and option (c) is the correct answer.