Answer:
The molecular formula is C3H6
Explanation:
Step 1: Data given
Suppose the compound has a mass of 100 grams
The compound contains:
85.63 % C = 85.63 grams C
14.37 % H = 14.37 grams H
Molar mass C = 12.01 g/mol
Molar mass H = 1.01 g/mol
Step 2: Calculate moles
Moles = grams / molar mass
Moles C = 85.63 grams / 12.01 g/mol
Moles C = 7.130 moles
Moles H = 14.37 grams / 1.01 g/mol
Moles H = 14.2 moles
Step 3: Calculate the mol ratio
We divide by the smallest amount of moles
C: 7.130 moles / 7.130 moles = 1
H = 14.2 moles / 7.130 moles = 2
The empirical formula is CH2
The molar mass of CH2 = 14 g/mol
Step 4: Calculate molecular formula
We have to multiply the empirical formula by n
n = 42 / 14 = 3
n*(CH2) = C3H6
The molecular formula is C3H6
