Question

Researchers isolated an unknown substance, X, from rabbit muscle. They determined its structure from the following observations and experiments. (a) Qualitative analysis showed that X was composed entirely of C, H, and O. A weighed sample of X was completely oxidized, and the H2O and CO2 produced were measured. This quantitative analysis revealed that X contained 40.00% C, 6.71% H, and 53.29% O by weight. (b) The molecular mass of X, as determined by mass spectrometry, was 90.00 atomic mass units (u). (c) Infrared spectroscopy showed that X contained one double bond. (d) X dissolved readily in water, and the solution demonstrated optical activity when tested in a polarimeter. (e) The aqueous solution of X is acidic. What is the empirical formula of X

Answer 1

The empirical formula of compound X is

From the analysis, we have the following information about the composition of compound X by mass; 40.00% C, 6.71% H, and 53.29% O

Hence, to find the empirical formula of compound X  ;

C - 40.00/12             H -  6.71/1              O - 53.29/16

C - 3.33                    H - 6.71                  O - 3.33

Dividing through by the lowest ratio;

C -  3.33/3.33          H - 6.71/3.33          O -  3.33/3.33

C - 1                         H - 2                        O - 1

Empirical formula of the compound X is CH2O  

Learn more; brainly.com/question/1363167