1. Calculate the empirical formula mass:
* The empirical formula C₂H₅ has a mass of: (2 * 12.01 g/mol C) + (5 * 1.01 g/mol H) = 29.07 g/mol
2. Determine the ratio of the molar mass to the empirical formula mass:
* Molar mass / Empirical formula mass = 58 g/mol / 29.07 g/mol ≈ 2
3. Multiply the subscripts in the empirical formula by the ratio:
* Since the ratio is 2, multiply the subscripts in C₂H₅ by 2: C₂H₅ * 2 = C₄H₁₀
Therefore, the molecular formula of the compound is C₄H₁₀.