The empirical formula of a compound is CH 2 ​ O and its molar mass is 180 g mol⁻¹. Determine its molecular formula.

📘 Molecular Formula from Empirical Formula

Step 1: Given Data

Empirical Formula = CH₂O

Molar Mass = 180 g mol⁻¹

Step 2: Calculate Empirical Formula Mass

Atomic masses:

• C = 12
• H = 1
• O = 16

Empirical Formula Mass

= 12 + (2 × 1) + 16

= 12 + 2 + 16

= 30 g mol⁻¹

🎬 Empirical Formula Animation

The empirical formula unit contains:

C + H₂ + O

CH₂O = 30 g mol⁻¹

Step 3: Find the Molecular Formula Multiplier

Use the formula:

n = Molar Mass ÷ Empirical Formula Mass

Substituting the values:

n = 180 ÷ 30

n = 6

Step 4: Multiply the Empirical Formula

The molecular formula is obtained by multiplying every subscript in the empirical formula by 6.

(CH₂O) × 6

C₆H₁₂O₆

🎬 Molecular Formula Animation

C H₂ O ×6 → C₆H₁₂O₆

Six empirical formula units combine to give the molecular formula.

✅ Final Answer

Empirical Formula = CH₂O

Empirical Formula Mass = 30 g mol⁻¹

n = 180 ÷ 30 = 6

Molecular Formula = C₆H₁₂O₆

🎯 Important Formula

n = Molar Mass ÷ Empirical Formula Mass

Molecular Formula = (Empirical Formula) × n