Question

is the general formula of a certain hydrate. When 256.3 g of the compound is heated to drive off the water, 214.2 g of anhydrous compound is left. Further analysis shows that the percentage composition of the anhydrate is 21.90% Ca, 43.14% Se, and 34.97% O.. (Hint: Treat the anhydrous compound and water just as you have treated elements in calculating in the formula of the hydrate.) (Use an asterisk to enter the dot in the formula. If a subscript is 1, omit it.) Find the empirical formula of the anhydrous compound. Find the empirical formula of the hydrate.

Answer 1

Answer:

The general formula of the hydrate is Caa Seb Oc. nH2O. Based on the given information, the weight of the hydrated compound is 256.3 grams, the weight of the anhydrous compound is 214.2 grams.  

Therefore, the weight of water evaporated is 256.3 g - 214.2 g = 42.1 grams

The molecular weight of water is 18 gram per mole. So, the number of moles of water will be,  

Moles of water = weight of water/molecular weight

= 42.1 grams / 18 = 2.3

The given composition of calcium is 21.90 %. So, the concentration of calcium in anhydrous compound is,  

= 214.2 * 0.2190 = 46.91 grams

The given composition of Se is 43.14 %. So, the concentration of selenium in anhydrous compound is,

= 214.2 * 0.4314 = 92.40 grams

The given composition of oxygen is 34.97%, So, the concentration of oxygen in anhydrous compound is,  

= 214.2 * 0.3497 = 74.91 grams

The molecular weight of Ca is 40.078, the obtained concentration is 46.91 grams, stoichiometry will be, 46.91/40.078 = 1.17

The molecular weight of Se is 78.96, the obtained concentration is 92.40, stoichiometry will be,  

92.40/78.96 = 1.17

The molecular weight of Oxygen is 15.999, the concentration obtained is 74.91, the stoichiometry will be,  

74.91/15.999 = 4.68.  

Thus, the formula becomes, Ca1.17. Se1.1e O4.68. 2.3H2O, the closest actual component is CaSeO4.2H2O