A compound is found to contain 54.5% carbon, 9.1% hydrogen, and 36.4% oxygen. Determine the simplest formula.

The simplest formula is calculated as follows

find the moles of each element = 5 composition/molar mass of element

C = 54.5 / 12 = 4.542 moles

H = 9.1/1 = 9.1 moles

O = 36.4 / 16 = 2.275 moles

find the mole ratio by diving each mole with the smallest mole (2.275 mole)

C = 4.542 / 2.275 = 2

H = 9.1 / 2.275 = 4

O = 2.275/2.275 = 1

the simple formula is therefore = C2H4O