What is the empirical formula for naphthalene?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the empirical formula of naphthalene, which is a hydrocarbon compound commonly known for its use in mothballs and produced from coal tar. The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a molecule.
Answer
C5H4
The empirical formula for naphthalene is C5H4
Answer for screen readers
The empirical formula for naphthalene is C5H4
More Information
Naphthalene's empirical formula is derived by simplifying its molecular formula, C10H8, to its simplest ratio of carbon to hydrogen, which yields C5H4.
Tips
A common mistake is to use the molecular formula directly without simplifying it to the smallest whole-number ratio.