185k views
0 votes
An unknown compound is discovered in a raid on a terrorist organization; it is believed that the compound is Sarin. When a 10.0-gram sample of this compoun is completely combusted, 15.6 g CO2 and 6.4 g H20 are produced, along with other combustion products. Using numerical calculations, prove that this unknown compound can not be Sarin.

1 Answer

1 vote

Given:

Mass of the unknown compound (believed to be Sarin) = 10.0 g

Mass of CO2 produced = 15.6 g

Mass of H2O produced = 6.4 g

To determine:

If the unknown compound is Sarin

Step-by-step explanation:

The molecular formula for Sarin is: C₄H₁₀FO₂P

Based on stoichiometry the C:H ratio = 4:10 i.e 2:5

Now, from the combustion data:

# moles of CO2 produced = # moles of C present in the unknown sample

Similarly, (# moles of H2O produced)*2 = # moles of H present in the unknown sample

# moles of CO2 = 15.6 g/44 g.mol-1 = 0.354 moles

# moles of H2O = (6.4 g/ 18 g.mol-1 )* 2 = 0.711 moles

The C:H ratio = 0.354 : 0.711 = 1:2

Ans: Since the C:H ratio does not match the actual stoichiometry based on the molecular formula, the unknown compound is not Sarin.

User Shaquan
by
8.6k points
Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.