Question

A compound contains oxygen and chlorine. Its molecular mass is 166.9g. What is the molecular formula if its empirical formula is CIO3?

Answer 1

The molecular formula : Cl₂O₆

Further explanation

Given

Molecular mass = 166.9 g

The empirical formula = ClO₃

Required

The molecular formula

Solution

The empirical formula is the smallest comparison of atoms of compound forming elements.  

A molecular formula is a formula that shows the number of atomic elements that make up a compound.  

(empirical formula) n = molecular formula

(ClO₃)n=166.9

(35.5+3.16)n=166.9

(83.5)n=166.9

n=2

(ClO₃)2=Cl₂O₆