An organic compound is composed of 38.7% C, 9.70% H, 51.6% O. The compound has a molecular formula mass of 62.0g/mol.

What is the molecular formula of this organic compound?

A) CHO

B) C2H6O2

C) C4H6O4

D) C4H12O4

B) C2H6O 2

First, convert each percentage to grams: 38.7g, 9.70g, and 51.6g.

Next, calculate the number of moles of each element, based on the number of grams given.

C = 3.23 mol

H = 8.91 mol

O = 3.23 mol

Set up the ratio of moles of each element:

C3.34H9.70O3.23. Convert the decimals to whole numbers by dividing by the smallest subscript, 3.23.

The empirical formula is CH3O.

Now, compute the formula mass, which is 31. Finally, divide the molecular mass by the formula mass, 62/31 = 2. Multiple the subscripts by 2 to get the molecular formula.