Question

What is the empirical formula of propene? Of polypropene?

Answer 1

`"Propylene"` has an empirical formula of `CH_2`; `"polypropylene"` has the same empirical formula.

Explanation:

The empirical formula is the simplest whole number ratio that defines constituent atoms in a species. If we were to get a sample of propylene of known mass, and burn it under oxygen, and then analyze the products (carbon dioxide and water), we would find a `2:1` molar ratio between hydrogen and carbon.

Since `"polypropylene"` is the polymer of the propylene monomer, we would find exactly the same empirical formula.