Problem: Could the empirical formula determined from chemical analysis be used to tell the difference between acetylene, C2H2, and benzene, C6H6?

We’re being asked to determine if the empirical formula from chemical analysis can be used to tell the difference between acetylene, C₂H₂, and benzene, C₆H₆

Recall that empirical measurements are based on a measurable quantity like mass. Knowing the mass of each element in a compound we can determine it's formula. There are two types of formulas, empirical and molecular.

• Empirical Formula: Lowest whole number ratio of the elements in a compound
• Molecular Formula: Actual whole number ratio of the elements in a compound.

To solve this problem, we will get the empirical formula of acetylene and benzene then compare if there are any differences.