Question

MSG (monosodium glutamate has the following composition by mass: 51% C; 4.77 % H, 37.8 % 0; 8.29 % N and 13.60 % Na. What is the molecular formula if its molar mass is 169 g​

Answer 1

Following the composition by mass, the molecular formula of monosodium glutamate would be $C_7H_8O_4NNa$

The empirical formula can first be derived such that:

C = 51/12             = 4.25

H = 4.778/1           = 4.77

O = 37.8/16       = 2.36

N = 8.29/14       = 0.59

Na = 13.60/23      = 0.59

Dividing by the smallest (0.59):

C = 7

H = 8

O = 4

N = 1

Na = 1

Hence, the empirical formula would be $C_7H_8O_4NNa$

Molar mass of empirical formula = 12x7 + 8x1 + 16x4 + 14 + 23

                                                         = 195

Recall that: , ($C_7H_8O_4NNa$)n = molecular formula

                                   Where n = molar mass/empirical formular mass

Molar mass/empirical formular mass = 169/195

                                                       = 0.87

                                                          ≈ 1

Thus, ($C_7H_8O_4NNa$) x 1 = $C_7H_8O_4NNa$

More on molecular formula calculation can be found here: brainly.com/question/21629131