Answer:
Molecular formula => C₃H₈O₃
Explanation:
From the question given above, the following data were obtained:
Carbon (C) = 39.12%
Hydrogen (H) = 8.75%
Oxygen (O) = 51.12%
Molar mass of compound = 92.09 g/mol
Molecular formula =?
Next, we shall determine the empirical formula of the compound. This can be obtained as follow:
C = 39.12%
H = 8.75%
O = 51.12%
Divide by their molar mass
C = 39.12 / 12 = 3.26
H = 8.75 / 1 = 8.75
O = 51.12 / 16 = 3.195
Divide by the smallest
C = 3.26 / 3.195 = 1
H = 8.75 / 3.195 = 2.7
O = 3.195 / 3.195 = 1
Thus, the empirical formula is CH₂.₇O
Finally, we shall determine the molecular formula of the compound. This can be obtained as follow:
Empirical formula = CH₂.₇O
Molar mass of compound = 92.09 g/mol
Molecular formula =?
Molecular formula = Empirical formula × n
Molecular formula = [CH₂.₇O]ₙ
92.09 = [12 + (2.7×1) + 16] × n
92.09 = 30.7n
Divide both side by 30.7
n = 92.09 / 30.7
n = 3
Molecular formula = [CH₂.₇O]ₙ
Molecular formula = [CH₂.₇O]₃
Molecular formula = C₃H₈O₃
