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JAMB Chemistry 1992 Question 48

Question 48

Chemical Formulae and Equations

An organic compound containing 40.1% carbon and 6.67% hydrogen has an empirical formula of

  1. A.C2H4O2
  2. B.C2H3O2
  3. C.CH2O
  4. D.CH3O.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (CH2O)

Explanation

Oxygen = 100 − 40.1 − 6.67 = 53.23%. Moles: C 40.1/12 = 3.34, H 6.67/1 = 6.67, O 53.23/16 = 3.33, a ratio of 1 : 2 : 1, so CH2O.