An organic compound contains 72% carbon, 12% hydrogen and 16% oxygen by mass. The empirical…

Explanation

carbon = 72%, hydrogen = 12%, 16%

Dividing by the atomic weight we have for C = \(\frac{5}{1}\) = 6

H = \(\frac{12}{1}\) = 12

O = \(\frac{16}{16}\) = 1

Divide by the smallest number, we have = \(\frac{6}{1}\) = 6

H = \(\frac{12}{1}\) = 12

O = \(\frac{1}{1}\) = 1

The formula is C₆H₁₂O