How to Calculate the Empirical Formula of Glucose?

The empirical formula of glucose is calculated by finding the simplest whole number ratio of atoms in its molecular formula.

Understanding Molecular and Empirical Formulas

Before diving into the calculation, let's understand the difference:

• Molecular Formula: This shows the actual number of each type of atom in a molecule. For glucose, it is C₆H₁₂O₆.
• Empirical Formula: This shows the simplest whole number ratio of atoms in a molecule. It doesn't tell the actual number of atoms, just their ratio.

Calculating the Empirical Formula of Glucose

Here's how to calculate the empirical formula of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆):

1. Identify the Subscripts: The molecular formula gives us the subscripts, which represent the number of atoms for each element. In glucose, we have:

   • 6 carbon atoms (C)
   • 12 hydrogen atoms (H)
   • 6 oxygen atoms (O)

2. Determine the Ratio: The ratio of C:H:O is 6:12:6.

3. Simplify the Ratio: Divide all subscripts by their greatest common divisor. In this case, the greatest common divisor for 6, 12, and 6 is 6.

   • 6 / 6 = 1 (for Carbon)
   • 12 / 6 = 2 (for Hydrogen)
   • 6 / 6 = 1 (for Oxygen)

4. Write the Empirical Formula: The simplified ratio is 1:2:1. Thus, the empirical formula of glucose is CH₂O.

Table Summarizing the Process

Step	Carbon (C)	Hydrogen (H)	Oxygen (O)
Molecular Formula Subscripts	6	12	6
Simplify by Dividing by 6	1	2	1
Empirical Formula	CH2O

Reference

The provided reference states: "So if we look at the molecular formula we have 6 12 6. We could reduce that ratio to 1 2 1. We just divide each of these numbers by 6 and that gives us c1 h2o1 as the empirical formula for glucose." This information supports our analysis and conclusion.