Question

5. Psilocybin is made of C 50.70%, H 6.03%, N 9.86%, 22.51%, P 10.90%. a. Find the empirical formula.​

Answer 1

The empirical formula : C₁₂H₁₇N₂O₄P

Further explanation

The empirical formula is the smallest comparison of atoms of compound =mole ratio of the components

The principle of determining empirical formula

• Determine the mass ratio of the constituent elements of the compound.
• Determine the mole ratio by by dividing the percentage by the atomic mass

• C

`\tt (50.7)/(12)=4.225`

• H

`\tt (6.03)/(1)=6.03`

• N

`\tt (9.86)/(14)=0.704`

• O

`\tt (22.51)/(16)=1.407`

• P

`\tt (10.9)/(31)=0.352`

Divide by the smallest mole ratio(0.352)

C : H : N : O : P

`\tt C\rightarrow (4.225)/(0.352)=12`

`\tt H\rightarrow (6.03)/(0.352)=17`

`\tt N\rightarrow (0.704)/(0.352)=2`

`\tt O\rightarrow (1.407)/(0.352)=4`

`\tt P\rightarrow (0.352)/(0.352)=1`