The empirical formula of decane is C5H11. Its molecular weight is 142.286 g/mol.

What is
the molecular formula of decane?

Step 1: Calculate the molecular weight of the empirical formula (the molecular weight of
C = 12.011 g/mol and H = 1.008 g/mol)

5 (12.0111 g/mol) + 11 (1.008 g/mol) = C5H11

60.055 g/mol + 11.008 g/mol = 71.143 g/mol per C5H11

Step 2: Divide the molecular weight of the molecular formula by the the molecular
weight of the empirical formula to find the ratio between the two.

142.286 g/mol71.143 g/mol=2142.286 g/mol71.143 g/mol=2
Since the weight of the molecular formula is twice the weight of the empirical formula,
there must be twice as many atoms, but in the same ratio.
Therefore, if the empirical formula of decane is C 5H11, the molecular formula of decane
is twice that, or C10H22.