Which of the following is the empirical formula for propene (C3H6)?

• A. CH3
• B. CH2
• C. C2H4
• D. C3H6

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecular formula of propene, which is given as C3H6.
2. To find the empirical formula, determine the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in the compound.
3. Divide the number of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms by their greatest common divisor. For C3H6, the greatest common divisor is 3.
4. Calculate the ratio: Carbon atoms = 3 ÷ 3 = 1, Hydrogen atoms = 6 ÷ 3 = 2.
5. Write the empirical formula using these simplified ratios, which results in CH2.