Given that the pseudoformula of ascorbic acid is C_{3.407}H_{4.53}O_{3.406}, what is its empirical formula?

• A. C_3H_4O_3
• B. C_1H_1O_1
• C. C_2H_3O_2
• D. C_6H_8O_6

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the given pseudoformula: C_{3.407}H_{4.53}O_{3.406}. This means the subscripts for carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are 3.407, 4.53, and 3.406 respectively.
2. To find the empirical formula, divide all the subscripts by the smallest subscript among the three elements. Here, the smallest subscript is approximately 3.406 (for oxygen). So, calculate \( \frac{3.407}{3.406} \), \( \frac{4.53}{3.406} \), and \( \frac{3.406}{3.406} \).
3. Simplify the ratios obtained in the previous step to get numbers close to whole numbers. These whole numbers will be the subscripts in the empirical formula.
4. Write the empirical formula using the simplified whole number subscripts for C, H, and O.
5. Compare the empirical formula you obtained with the given options to select the correct one.