Answer
$C_3H_8O$
Work Step by Step
Divide each percentage by the atomic mass of each element to find:
$ C: \frac{60}{12}=5$
$H: \frac{13.33}{1}=13.33$
$O: \frac{26.67}{16}\approx1.67$
Find the atomic ratio by dividing each value to the lowest one:
$C:H:O=\frac{5}{1.67}:\frac{13.33}{1.67}:\frac{1.67}{1.67}=3:8:1$
Hence, the empirical formula for the alcohol is $C_3H_8O$
The molecular formula of the compound is $(C_3H_8O)_n$. To find $n$, compute the molecular mass of the alcohol:
$$M=(3\cdot12+8\cdot1+16)\cdot n=60n$$
It is given that the molecular mass is $60$, hence $60n=60$. By solving for $n$, it follows that $n=1$. Hence the molecular formula of the alcohol is $C_3H_8O$.
