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

• A. C2H4
• B. C4H8
• C. CH2
• D. C3H6

Answer: (C)

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 by dividing the subscripts by their greatest common divisor (GCD).
3. Calculate the GCD of 3 (carbon atoms) and 6 (hydrogen atoms), which is 3.
4. Divide each subscript in the molecular formula by the GCD: \( \frac{3}{3} = 1 \) for carbon and \( \frac{6}{3} = 2 \) for hydrogen.
5. Write the empirical formula using these simplified subscripts, resulting in \( \mathrm{CH}_2 \).