Answer:
The simplest chemical formula of the compound is Cu(C₆H₁₁O₇)₂
Explanation:
Given mass of sample = 1.4 g
mass of copper in the sample = 0.2 g
mass of the gluconate =1.4 - 0.2 = 1.2 g
The mole ratio is determined first using the formula;
mole ratio = reacting mass / atomic mass
atomic mass of copper = 63.55
mass of gluconate, C₆H₁₁O₇ = 12*6 + 1*11 + 16*7 = 195 g/mol
mole ratio ( copper : gluconate) = 0.2/63.55 : 1.4/195
mole ratio ( copper : gluconate) = 0.003 : 0.007
convert to whole number ratios by dividing with the smallest ratio
mole ratio ( copper : gluconate) = 0.003/0.003 : 0.007/0.003
mole ratio ( copper : gluconate) = 1 : 2
Therefore, the simplest chemical formula of the compound is Cu(C₆H₁₁O₇)₂