What is the molecular formula of a compound that has a formula mass of 50.48 amu and an empirical formula of ch3cl?

To find the molecular formula from the empirical formula, you need to find a multiple (x) that will give you the molar mass of the compound which in the question is 50.48 g/mol.

If CH₃Cl is the empirical formula

molar mass of empirical formula = (12 * 1) + (1 * 3) + (35.5 * 1) g/mol

= 50.5 g/mol

let x = multiple

let molecular formula = Cₓ H₂ₓ

multiple = molecular mass : empirical mass

= 50.5 g/mol : 50.48 g/mol

≈ 1

If molecular formula = Cₓ H₃ₓ Cl

then molecular formula = C ₍₁₎ H₃ ₍₁₎ Cl ₍₁₎

= CH₃Cl