Answer:
C6H15
Explanation:
First, we calculate the empirical formula as follows:
C = 41.33 g
H = 8.67 g
We convert each mass value to mole by dividing each element by its molar mass (C = 12g/mol, H = 1g/mol)
C = 41.33g ÷ 12g/mol = 3.44mol
H = 8.67g ÷ 1g/mol = 8.67mol
Next, we divide each mole value by the smallest (3.44mol)
C = 3.44mol ÷ 3.44mol = 1
H = 8.67mol ÷ 3.44mol = 2.52
We multiply this ratio by 2 to get a simple whole number ratio
C = 1 × 2 = 2
H = 2.52 × 2 = 5.04
Based on this, the whole number ratio of C and H is 2:5, hence, the empirical formula is C2H5.
The molecular mass of the compound is given as 87.18 g/mol, hence, the molecular formula is calculated as follows:
(C2H5)n = 87.18
[12(2) + 1(5)]n = 87.18
[24 + 5]n = 87.18
(29)n = 87.18
n = 87.18 ÷ 29
n = 3.006
Approximately to whole number, n = 3
Hence, the molecular formula of the compound is [C2H5]3
= C6H15
