Final answer:
The molar mass of Al(C2H3O2)3 is calculated by summing up the molar masses of aluminum and three acetate ions individually and combining, yielding 204.23 g/mol.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the molar mass of Al(C2H3O2)3, we must first find the molar mass of each constituent atom and then multiply by the number of atoms of each element in the formula. Aluminum (Al) has a molar mass of approximately 26.98 g/mol. The acetate ion (C2H3O2−) has a molar mass of 12.01 g/mol for each carbon atom (there are two carbon atoms), 1.01 g/mol for each hydrogen atom (there are three hydrogen atoms), and 16.00 g/mol for each oxygen atom (there are two oxygen atoms).
The calculation for the molar mass is as follows:
- Aluminum (Al): 26.98 g/mol × 1 = 26.98 g/mol
- Carbon (C): 12.01 g/mol × 2 = 24.02 g/mol
- Hydrogen (H): 1.01 g/mol × 3 = 3.03 g/mol
- Oxygen (O): 16.00 g/mol × 2 = 32.00 g/mol
The molar mass of a single acetate ion is 24.02 g/mol + 3.03 g/mol + 32.00 g/mol = 59.05 g/mol. Since there are three acetate ions in the compound, we multiply this number by three: 59.05 g/mol × 3 = 177.15 g/mol. Finally, we add the molar mass of the aluminum atom to get the total molar mass of the compound: 26.98 g/mol + 177.15 g/mol = 204.13 g/mol
Therefore, the correct answer is b) 204.23 g/mol.