The empirical formula and molecular mass of a compound are CH2O and 180 g respectively. What will be the molecular formula of the compound?

The empirical formula of a compound represents the simplest whole number ratio of various atoms present in the molecule, while the molecular formula shows the exact number of different types of atoms present in a molecule of a compound.

The empirical formula mass of the compound is calculated to be 1x12 + 1x2 + 1x16 = 30.


The molecular mass of the compound is 180.


‘n’ is the factor to be multiplied with the empirical formula to give the molecular formula and it is given by



n = 180/30 = 6


Molecular formula = nEmpirical formula) = 6CH2O)


The molecular formula of the compound is C6H12O6.


The correct answer is iii).

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