The empirical formula of a group of compounds is CHCl. Lindane, a powerful insecticide, is a member of this group. The molar mass of lindane is 290.8 g/mol. How many atoms of carbon does a molecule of lindane contain?

Answer 1

empirical formula mass = about 12 + 1 + 35.5 = 48.5

(CHCl)_x = 290.8
x*48.5 = 290.8
x = approx 5.996 which we round to 6 so the formula is (CHCl)6 or C6H6Cl6