Question

Determine the molecular formula of the compound.

A compound is used as a gasoline additive. It has a molecular weight of 60.10 atomic mass units and an empirical formula of C3H8O. The molecular formula is C__H__O__.

Answer 1

C3H8O1

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

Answer : The molecular formula of the compound is
`C_3H_8O_1`.

Solution : Given,

Molecular weight = 60.10 amu

Empirical formula =
`C_3H_8O`

Molar mass of carbon = 12.01 g/mole

Molar mass of hydrogen = 1.01 g/mole

Molar mass of oxygen = 15.99 g/mole

First we have to calculate the Empirical mass of
`C_3H_8O_1`.

Empirical mass of
`C_3H_8O_1` =
`(3* 12.01g/mole)+(1* 1.01g/mole)+(1* 15.99g/mole)=53.03g/mole`

Now we have to calculate the molecular formula.

Divide the molecular weight by the empirical mass and then multiply the subscripts by this number.

`\text{ Molecular formula}=\frac{\text{ Molecular weight}}{\text{ Empirical mass}}= (60.10g/mole)/(53.03g/mole)=1.133\approx 1`

Now multiply the subscripts by 1, we get the molecular formula of the compound.

Therefore, the molecular formula of the compound is
`C_3H_8O_1`.