A compound has empirical formula CH2O and formula mass 120.10 amu. What is the molecular formula of the compound?
The mass of the empirical formula, CH2O, is calculated below.
mass (e.f) = 12.01 + 2 x 1.01 + 16 = 30.3 amu
Then, divide the given formula mass by the one calculated above,
n = 120.10 amu / 30.03 amu ≈ 4
Thus, the molecular formula is C4H8O4.