The empirical formula of a compound. — Free written notes for Chemistry - 9th on EduFlame Pakistan.
The empirical formula of a compound shows the simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element present in that compound. It does not necessarily show the actual number of atoms in one molecule.
Example 1:
Glucose has the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O₆. The simplest ratio of C : H : O is 1 : 2 : 1, so the empirical formula of glucose is CH₂O.
Example 2:
Hydrogen peroxide has the molecular formula H₂O₂. The simplest ratio of H : O is 1 : 1, so the empirical formula is HO.
Example 3:
Benzene has the molecular formula C₆H₆. The simplest ratio of C : H is 1 : 1, so the empirical formula is CH.