Final answer:
To find the chemical formula for compound X, convert mass percentages to moles, find the simplest mole ratio, and determine the molecular formula using the molar mass.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the formula for compound X with a molar mass of 230.30 g/mol and known mass percentages of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, you would first convert the mass percentages into moles of each element per mole of compound. Once converted, you divide each by the smallest number of moles to find the simplest whole number ratio. This ratio will give you the empirical formula of the compound. Finally, you use the molar mass of the compound to determine the molecular formula
In compound X, the mass ratio of carbon to hydrogen is 14.13 g C : 2.96 g H. From the given composition, we can determine the number of atoms of each element in one molecule of the compound. The ratio of the number of atoms can be simplified to 13 carbon atoms : 18 hydrogen atoms : 2 oxygen atoms. Therefore, the formula for compound X is C13H18O2.