The empirical formula for the citric acid is C₆H₈O₇
Data obtained from the question
Divide by their molar mass
C = 37.51 / 12 = 3.126
H = 4.2 / 1 = 4.2
O = 58.29 / 16 = 3.643
Divide by the smallest
C = 3.126 / 3.126 = 1
H = 4.2 / 3.126 = 1.34
O = 3.643 / 3.126 = 1.17
Multiply through by 6 to express in whole number
C = 1 × 6 = 6
H = 1.34 × 6 = 8
O = 1.17 × 6 = 7
Thus, the empirical formula for the citric acid is C₆H₈O₇
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