Write the empirical formula corresponding to each of the following molecular formulas: (c) C4H8O2

Key Concepts

Empirical Formula

The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound. It is derived from the molecular formula by dividing the subscripts of each element by their greatest common divisor. For example, the empirical formula of C4H8O2 is C2H4O, indicating that for every two carbon atoms, there are four hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Molecular Formula

The molecular formula provides the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule of a compound. It can be the same as the empirical formula or a multiple of it. In the case of C4H8O2, the molecular formula indicates that there are four carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms in each molecule, which can be simplified to its empirical form.

Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)

The greatest common divisor is the largest integer that divides the subscripts of the elements in a molecular formula without leaving a remainder. It is essential for simplifying the molecular formula to its empirical form. For C4H8O2, the GCD of the subscripts 4, 8, and 2 is 2, which is used to reduce the formula to C2H4O.