What is the empirical formula for glucose? Chemistry Q&A

What is the empirical formula for glucose?

Step 1: Defining Empirical and molecular formula

Empirical formula:

  • An empirical formula is a formula in which the atoms in a molecule are present in their lowest ratio.
  • An empirical formula gives the simplest ratio of atoms in a molecule or compound.

Molecular formula:

  • The molecular formula is the formula in which the atoms in a molecule is present in fixed ratio.
  • The molecular formula gives the exact number of atoms in a molecule or compound.

Relation between molecular formula and empirical formula:

  • n = Molecular formula mass/Empirical formula mass
  • Where,
    n is the whole number multiple that is 1,2,3,4…. so on.

Step 2: Determining the Empirical formula of Glucose

  • The molecular formula of glucose is
    C6H12O6 .
  • In glucose, the value of
    ‘n’ is 6 that means the subscript of Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen are divided by the whole number 6 and we get an empirical formula of glucose.
  • Empirical formula = C6H12O6 = CH2O
  • Thus, the empirical formula for glucose is
    CH2O .

Er. Neeraj K.Anand is a freelance mentor and writer who specializes in Engineering & Science subjects. Neeraj Anand received a B.Tech degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from N.I.T Warangal & M.Tech Post Graduation from IETE, New Delhi. He has over 30 years of teaching experience and serves as the Head of Department of ANAND CLASSES. He concentrated all his energy and experiences in academics and subsequently grew up as one of the best mentors in the country for students aspiring for success in competitive examinations. In parallel, he started a Technical Publication "ANAND TECHNICAL PUBLISHERS" in 2002 and Educational Newspaper "NATIONAL EDUCATION NEWS" in 2014 at Jalandhar. Now he is a Director of leading publication "ANAND TECHNICAL PUBLISHERS", "ANAND CLASSES" and "NATIONAL EDUCATION NEWS". He has published more than hundred books in the field of Physics, Mathematics, Computers and Information Technology. Besides this he has written many books to help students prepare for IIT-JEE and AIPMT entrance exams. He is an executive member of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers. USA) and honorary member of many Indian scientific societies such as Institution of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineers, Aeronautical Society of India, Bioinformatics Institute of India, Institution of Engineers. He has got award from American Biographical Institute Board of International Research in the year 2005.