What is the empirical formula for octane?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the empirical formula of octane, which is a hydrocarbon with a specific molecular formula. The high-level approach to find the empirical formula is to determine the simplest whole number ratio of carbon to hydrogen atoms in octane.
Answer
C4H9
The empirical formula for octane is C4H9.
Answer for screen readers
The empirical formula for octane is C4H9.
More Information
The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of elements in a compound. For octane, the molecular formula C8H18 reduces to C4H9.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse the molecular formula with the empirical formula. Ensure to simplify the ratios to their smallest whole numbers.
Sources
- What is the empirical formula of octane - Doubtnut - doubtnut.com
- The empirical formula of octane C_{8}H_{18} is - toppr.com
- Chemical Formulas - Washington University - chemistry.wustl.edu
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