Empirical formula of a compound gives the proportions of the elements in that compound but it does not define the actual arrangement and number of atoms.
Let the empirical formula of compound be [tex]C_{x}H_{y}O_{z}[/tex].
The ratio of number of moles of C, H and O can be calculated as follows:
[tex]C:H:O=0.117:0.233:0.117[/tex]
Simplifying the ratio,
[tex]C:H:O=\frac{0.117}{0.117}:\frac{0.233}{0.117}:\frac{0.117}{0.117}=1:1.99:1=1:2:1[/tex]
Thus, the value of x, y and z will be 1, 2 and 1 respectively.
Therefore, the empirical formula will be [tex]CH_{2}O[/tex].
