What is the empirical formula of a compound that has the molecular formula C6H12?

To determine the empirical formula of a compound from its molecular formula, we need to simplify the ratios of the atoms within the molecular formula to their smallest whole-number ratio. The molecular formula given is C6H12.

In this case, we first identify the number of carbon and hydrogen atoms. The molecular formula indicates that there are 6 carbon atoms and 12 hydrogen atoms. Next, we look for the greatest common divisor (GCD) for these two numbers.

Both 6 and 12 can be divided by 6, which is their GCD. Dividing each atom count by 6 gives us:

• For carbon: 6 ÷ 6 = 1

• For hydrogen: 12 ÷ 6 = 2

This results in a simplified ratio of 1 carbon atom to 2 hydrogen atoms, leading us to the empirical formula of CH2. This formula represents the simplest ratio of the elements in the compound, which allows for clear identification of the compound's basic structure without the complexity of higher multiples found in its molecular formula.

The other provided choices do not correspond to the simplest form derived from the molecular formula. Thus, the choice of CH2 reflects the correct determination of the empirical formula from C