Question

Determine the empirical and molecular formula for a compound containing 26.1

Answer 1

determing that the compoumd formed is in 100%

therefore, 26.1 +4.3+69.6 = 100%

hence no need of adding O molecule

finding the numbr of moles of each element

no. of moles of C= given mass÷molar mass

=26.1÷12

=2.1 mol

no. of moles of H = given mass÷molar mass

=4.3÷1

=4.3 mol

no of moles of O =given mass÷molar mass

=69.6÷16

=4.3

the simplest whole nber of the element in the unknown compoumd is 1:2:2 of C:H:O

HENCE, the empirical formula is CH2O2

empirical formula mass of CH2O2 IS

=(12)+(2×1)+(16×2)

12+2+32

46 G/MOL

N= molar mass of the compoumd ÷ emporical mass of the compoumd

N= 138÷46

N=3

molecular formula =N×empirical formula

=3 ×CH2O2

C3H6O6 is the molecular formula

(tartonic acid)

hope it helped u!