If a molecule with an empirical formula CHO has a molar mass of 88.12 g/mol, what is its molecular formula?

C3H3O3

Explanation:

To find its molecular formula, we simply use the empirical formula together with the molar mass. Firstly, we obtain the molar mass of the empirical formula CHO. His can be obtained by using the masses of the individual atoms. The masses are 12, 1 and 16 for carbon, hydrogen and oxygen respectively.

Hence: (12+[6+1) n = 88.12

29n = 88.12

n = 3

The molecular formula is thus C3H3O3