Establishing Empirical and Molecular Formulas 08.10.2013

Consider the following 5 step approach to determine formulas:

1. Choose an arbitrary sample size (100 g).

2. Convert masses of the elements in 100 g sample to amounts in moles.

3. Write a tentative formula based on the #s of moles just determined.

4. Divide each of the subscripts by the smallest one.

5. If all subscripts differ only slightly from whole #s, then, round them off. Otherwise multiply all subscripts by a small whole number to make the subscripts integral.

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