What is the empirical formula of C5H10?

1 Answer
anor277
Dec 10, 2015

The empirical formula of C_5H_10 is CH_2

Explanation:

The empirical formula is the simplest whole number ratio that describes constituent atoms in a species. C_5H_10 of course can be reduced to CH_2.

The molecular formula is always a multiple of the empirical formula (the multiple might be 1). A very useful parameter with molecular formulae is the "degree of unsaturation" concept. An alkane has the general formula C_nH_(2n+2) (this could be the same as the empirical formula!). If presented with a molecular formula C_nH_(2n) we would say that this molecule has 1^@ of unsaturation. A degree of unsaturation has a double bond (C=C, C=O, C=N) OR a ring to account for the absence of the 2 hydrogens. Simple acetylenes have 2 degrees of unsaturation. Why?

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