A compound is 63.68% carbon, 12.38% nitrogen, 9.80% hydrogen, and 14.14% oxygen. Determine its empirical formula.

C6H11NO

Explanation:

To determine the empirical formula, we need to divide the percentage compositions by the atomic masses. The atomic masses of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen are 12,14,1 and 16 respectively.

Now we proceed with the division as follows:

C = 63.68/12 = 5.3066667

N = 12.38/14 = 0.8843

H = 9.8/1 = 9.8

O = 14.14/16 = 0.88375

Now, we divide with the smallest value which is that of oxygen

C = 5.3066667/0.88375 = 6

N = 0.8843/0.88375 = 1

H = 9.8/0.88375 = 11

O = 0.88375/0.88375 = 1

The empirical formula is thus C6H11NO