Question

Isoflurane, shown here, is a common inhalation anesthetic. write its molecular formula and calculate its percent composition by mass

Answer 1

Molecular formula of Isoflurane is C₃H₂ClF₅O.

Now calculate the percent composition by mass, which means percent of each element in the compound.

Mass of Isoflurane = 184.49 g/mol

Mass of carbon in the compound = 3 x 12.011 = 36.033g

Mass of hydrogen in the compound = 2 x 1.008 = 2.016g

Mass of chlorine in the compound = 1 x 35.453 = 35.453 g

Mass of fluorine in the compound = 5 x 18.998 = 94.99g

Mass of Oxygen in the compound = 1 x 16 = 16 g

Carbon’s percentage = Mass of carbon in the compound /mass of isoflurane x 100 =36.033/184.49 x 100 =19.53%

Hydrogen’s Percentage = Mass of hydrogen in the compound/mass of isoflurane x 100 = 2.016/184.49 = 1.09%

Chlorine’s percentage = Mass of chlorine in the compound/mass of isoflurane x 100 = 35.453/184.49 =19.22%

Flourine’s percentage = Mass of fluorine in the compound/mass of isoflurane x 100 = 94.99/184.49 x 100 = 51.49%

Oxygen’s percentage = Mass of Oxygen in the compound/mass of isoflurane x 100 =16/184.49 x 100 = 8.67%