Which of the following is the empirical formula for a pentose sugar?

• A. C6H12O6
• B. C5H10O5
• C. C2H4O2
• D. CH2O

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound.
2. Look at each given molecular formula and determine the ratio of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms by dividing each subscript by the greatest common divisor.
3. For example, for C6H12O6, divide each subscript by 6 to get C1H2O1, which simplifies to CH2O.
4. Repeat this process for C5H10O5 by dividing each subscript by 5, resulting in CH2O as well.
5. Recognize that the empirical formula CH2O corresponds to the simplest ratio found in pentose sugars, confirming that CH2O is the empirical formula.