Question

A compound is analyzed and found to contain 22.10%Al, 25.40%P, and 52.50%O. What is the empirical formula of the compound?

Answer 1

A compound is analyzed and found to contain 22.10%Al, 25.40%P, and 52.50%O

Let the total mass of compound = 100g

The mass of Aluminum = 22.10 g

Moles of Al = mass / atomic mass = 22.10 /23= 0.96

The mass of P = 25.40 g

Moles of P = 25.40 / 31 = 0.819

The mass of oxygen  = 52.50 g

Moles of oxygen = 52.50 / 16= 3.28

The mole ratio of the two elements will be

Al = 0.96/0.819 = 1.17

P = 0.819/0.819 = 1

O = 3.28 / 0.819 = 4

The whole number ratio will be 1 : 1 : 4

So formula will be AlPO4