What is the pseudo formula of ascorbic acid, given that ascorbic acid contains 3.407 mol of carbon, 4.53 mol of hydrogen, and 3.406 mol of oxygen?

To determine that empirical formula, we need to know the amount of each element involved in the compound. Then, we divide each amount with the value of the lowest amount. We do as follows:

C = 3.407 / 3.406 = 1.00
H = 4.53 / 3.406 = 1.33
O = 3.406 / 3.406 = 1.00

C1H1.33O1

To eleminate the decimal value, we multiply it to a number that would be make it a whole number.

3(C1H1.33O1) = C3H4O3

It’s the energy source of stars