What is the empirical formula of the compound?
Start with the number of grams of each element, given in the problem. Convert the mass of each element to moles using the molar mass from the periodic table. Divide each mole value by the smallest number of moles calculated. Round to the nearest whole number. This is the mole ratio of the elements and is represented by subscripts in the empirical formula. Example Problem #2 NutraSweet is 57.14% C, 6.16% H, 9.52% N, and 27.18% O. Calculate the empirical formula of NutraSweet and find the molecular formula. (The molar mass of NutraSweet is 294.30 g/mol) Start with the number of grams of each element, given in the problem. • If percentages are given, assume that the total mass is 100 grams so that the mass of each element = the percent given. Convert the mass of each element to moles using the molar mass from the periodic table. Divide each mole value by the smallest number of moles calculated. Round to the nearest whole number. This is the mole ratio of the elements and is represented by
