For which of the following molecular formulas is the formula shown in parentheses the correct empirical formula? (a) C12H22O11 (C12H22O11), (b) C8H12O4 (C4H6O2), (c) H2O2 (H2O) ?

C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁).

Explanation:

The empirical formula is obtained when we divide the molecular formula with a whole number giving the simplest ratio of all the elements (in whole number).

a) C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁:

There is no number with which we can divide the ratio further to get a simpler formula hence the molecular formula of the given compound is the empirical formula of the compound. Hence it is correct.

(C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁),

(b) C₈H₁₂O₄

The empirical formula can be obtained by dividing the formula with "4"

The empirical formula would be

(C₂H₃O)

(c) H₂O₂

The empirical formula would be (H₁O₁)