Determine the empirical formulas for the following compounds:
(a) acetic acid, c24o2
(b) citric acid, c6h8o7
(c) hydrazine, n2h4
(d) nicotine, c10h14n2
(e) butane, c4h10

Explanation:

Empirical formula is defined as the formula in which atoms in a compound are present in simplest whole number ratios.

For the given options:

Acetic acid having molecular formula . To write the empirical formula, we divide each subscript by 2.

Hence, the empirical formula for acetic acid is

Citric acid having molecular formula . To write the empirical formula, we divide each subscript by 1.

Hence, the empirical formula for citric acid is

Hydrazine having molecular formula . To write the empirical formula, we divide each subscript by 2.

Hence, the empirical formula for hydrazine is

Nicotine having molecular formula . To write the empirical formula, we divide each subscript by 2.

Hence, the empirical formula for nicotine is

Butane having molecular formula . To write the empirical formula, we divide each subscript by 2.

Hence, the empirical formula for butane is