Answer:
C₄NH₉O₂
Explanation:
The question requires we determine the empirical for an unknown compound A.
- We are given percentages of elements in the compound;
Carbon-46.6%
Nitrogen - 13.6%
Hydrogen - 8.47%
Oxygen = 100% - (46.65 + 13.6% + 8.47%)
= 31.28%
- Assuming the sample of the unknown compound is 100 g
Step 1: Determine the moles of each element
Moles of Carbon = 46.6 ÷ 12
= 3.88 moles
Moles of Nitrogen = 13.6 ÷ 14
= 0.971 moles
Moles of Hydrogen = 8.47 ÷ 1
= 8.47 moles
Moles of Oxygen = 31.28 ÷ 16
= 1.955 moles
Step 2: Determine the mole ratio of the elements
Mole ratio = C : N : H : O
= 3.88 moles : 0.971 moles : 8.47 moles : 1.955 moles
We divide by the smallest (0.971 moles )
= 3.99 : 1 : 8.72 : 2.01
= 4 : 1 : 9 : 2
E.F = C₄NH₉O₂
Therefore, the empirical formula of compound A is C₄NH₉O₂
