C3H7O

C3H7O is the empirical formula for several chemical compounds, all of which are isomers. This formula indicates that a molecule contains three carbon atoms, seven hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. The most common compounds with this empirical formula are propanol and acetone. Propanol exists as two isomers: 1-propanol and 2-propanol. 1-propanol, also known as n-propanol, is a primary alcohol where the hydroxyl group is attached to a terminal carbon atom. 2-propanol, or isopropyl alcohol, is a secondary alcohol with the hydroxyl group attached to the middle carbon atom. Acetone is a ketone with the empirical formula C3H6O, but it is often confused with C3H7O. However, C3H7O represents molecules with one more hydrogen atom than acetone. These compounds are typically colorless liquids with characteristic odors and are flammable. They find various applications in industry, including as solvents, disinfectants, and chemical intermediates in the synthesis of other organic compounds. Their specific properties and uses depend on the precise arrangement of atoms, i.e., their isomeric structure.