The molecular formula for benzene is c6h6

The molecular formula for benzene is c6h6. what is the emperical formula

The correct answer and explanation is :

The empirical formula of benzene (C₆H₆) is CH.

Explanation:

1. Understanding Empirical Formula
   The empirical formula of a compound represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms of each element present in the compound. It does not show the actual number of atoms but only their simplest ratio.
2. Determining the Empirical Formula

• The molecular formula of benzene is C₆H₆.
• To find the empirical formula, we divide the subscripts of carbon and hydrogen by their greatest common divisor (GCD).
• The GCD of 6 and 6 is 6.
• Now, divide both subscripts by 6:
  • Carbon: 6 ÷ 6 = 1
  • Hydrogen: 6 ÷ 6 = 1
• This gives the simplest whole-number ratio CH.

1. Significance of the Empirical Formula

• The empirical formula CH represents the basic ratio of carbon to hydrogen in benzene.
• However, it does not provide information about the structure of benzene, which consists of six carbon atoms in a ring with alternating single and double bonds (aromatic structure).
• Many compounds can have the same empirical formula but different molecular structures. For example, acetylene (C₂H₂) also has CH as its empirical formula but has a linear structure.

1. Difference Between Empirical and Molecular Formula

• The molecular formula (C₆H₆) represents the actual number of atoms in a molecule.
• The empirical formula (CH) represents only the simplest ratio of these atoms.
• The molecular formula is always a whole-number multiple of the empirical formula. In benzene’s case:
  [
  (CH) \times 6 = C₆H₆
  ]

Thus, the empirical formula of benzene is CH.