How to Find the Empirical Formula of Acetic Acid?

To find the empirical formula of acetic acid, you need to determine the simplest whole-number ratio of the atoms in the compound. Acetic acid's molecular formula is CH₃COOH, which can also be written as C₂H₄O₂.

Here's how you can find the empirical formula:

1. Start with the Molecular Formula: The molecular formula of acetic acid is C₂H₄O₂.

2. Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD): Look for the greatest common divisor of the subscripts (2, 4, and 2). In this case, the GCD is 2.

3. Divide by the GCD: Divide each subscript in the molecular formula by the GCD.

   • C: 2 / 2 = 1
   • H: 4 / 2 = 2
   • O: 2 / 2 = 1

4. Write the Empirical Formula: The resulting subscripts give you the empirical formula: CH₂O.

Therefore, the empirical formula of acetic acid is CH₂O. This represents the simplest ratio of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms in acetic acid.