Identify the molecule having empirical formula `CH_(2)O`

Options

A. `CH_(3)CHO`
B. `HO - CH_(2) - CH_(2) - OH`
C. `{:(COOH),(|),(COOH):}`
D. `CH_(3)COOH`

Answer

To identify the molecule with the empirical formula \( CH_2O \), we will analyze the given options and determine their molecular formulas and empirical formulas step by step.

### Step 1: Understand the empirical formula
The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of the elements in a compound. For \( CH_2O \), the ratio of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) is 1:2:1.

### Step 2: Analyze the options
We will evaluate each of the provided options to see which one has the empirical formula \( CH_2O \).

1. **Option 1: \( CH_3CHO \)**
- Molecular formula: \( C_2H_4O \)
- Simplest ratio: \( 2:4:1 \)
- Empirical formula: \( C_2H_4O \) (not \( CH_2O \))

2. **Option 2: \( HOCH_2CH_2OH \)**
- Molecular formula: \( C_2H_6O_2 \)
- Simplest ratio: \( 2:6:2 \)
- Empirical formula: \( CH_3O \) (not \( CH_2O \))

3. **Option 3: \( COOH \)**
- Molecular formula: \( C_2H_2O_4 \)
- Simplest ratio: \( 1:1:2 \)
- Empirical formula: \( CHO_2 \) (not \( CH_2O \))

4. **Option 4: \( CH_3COOH \)**
- Molecular formula: \( C_2H_4O_2 \)
- Simplest ratio: \( 2:4:2 \)
- Empirical formula: \( CH_2O \) (matches \( CH_2O \))

### Step 3: Conclusion
From the analysis, the molecule that has the empirical formula \( CH_2O \) is \( CH_3COOH \) (acetic acid).

### Summary of the solution:
The molecule with the empirical formula \( CH_2O \) is \( CH_3COOH \).

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