If a compound has empirical formula CH2O and molecular formula C3H6O3, what is the multiplier that relates them?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer: (C)

The relation between an empirical formula and a molecular formula is found by a multiplier that scales the simplest formula to the actual molecule. The empirical formula CH2O represents the smallest whole-number ratio of atoms, while the molecular formula C3H6O3 shows the exact counts in one molecule. To connect them, multiply the empirical formula by a number n so that each element’s count matches the molecular formula. For C, H, and O, multiplying CH2O by 3 gives C3H6O3 (1×3 = 3, 2×3 = 6, 1×3 = 3), with the same factor applied to all elements. So the multiplier is 3.