I am trying to determine a compound 80.48% carbon (C), 7.37% hydrogen (H), 9.39% nitrogen (N), 2.68% oxygen (O) - what is the empirical formula of the compound?

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Answer 1 · 2015-01-19T00:48:46

The empirical formula is #C_(40)H_(44)N_4O#

Start by writing the ratio in grams by which they combine:

C : H : N : O

#rArr#

80.48 : 7.37 : 9.39 : 2.68

Then convert to moles by dividing by the mass of 1 mole:

#80.48/12:7.37/1:9.39/14:2.68/16#

This gives:

6.70 : 7.37 : 0.67 : 0.1675

if we divide these by 0.1675 we get:

40 : 44 : 4 : 1

So the empirical formula is :

#C_40H_44N_4O#