A pure compound contains 24 g C, 4 g H, and 32 g O. If no other elements are present, determine the empirical formula of the compound. Be sure to show your work.

Moles C = mass / molar mass = 24 g / 12 g/mol = 2 mol

moles H = 4 g = 1 g/mol = 4 mol

moles O = 32g / 16.00 g/mol = 2 mol

ratio moles C : H : O

= 2 : 4 : 2

divide each number in the ratio by the lowest number

= 2/2 : 4/2 : 2/2

= 1 : 2 : 1

The empirical formula would be

CH2O