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ChemistryGeneral Chemistry

How to Find the Molecular Formula from Percent Composition

A 100 g basis gives the empirical formula C₄H₅N₂O. Its 97.10 amu formula mass fits twice into 194.2 amu, so the molecular formula is C₈H₁₀N₄O₂.

Question

An unknown compound is 49.47%49.47\% C, 5.201%5.201\% H, 28.84%28.84\% N, and 16.48%16.48\% O by mass. Its molecular mass is 194.2 amu194.2\,\mathrm{amu}. Find the molecular formula.

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Evidence boundary

This calculation treats the reported percentages as the composition of one pure compound and accepts their small rounding difference from 100%. It uses standard classroom atomic weights and identifies a molecular formula only; it does not determine molecular structure or distinguish isomers.