Question

Benzene has been used as a solvent for waxes and oils. In 1981 the EPA listed benzene as a carcinogen. What is the molecular formula of benzene if the empirical formula is C1H1, and the approximate molar mass is 78 g/mol

Answer 1

C₆H₆

Step-by-step explanation:

From the question given above, the following data were obtained:

Empirical formula = CH

Molar mass of compound = 78 g/mol

Molecular formula =?

The formula of the compound can be obtained as follow:

Molecular formula = n × Empirical formula

Molecular formula = ₙ[CH]

n[CH] = 78

n[12 + 2] = 78

14n = 78

Divide both side by side 14

n = 78/14

n = 6

Molecular formula = ₙ[CH]

Molecular formula = ₆[CH]

Molecular formula = C₆H₆

Thus, the molecular formula of the compound is C₆H₆