Question

The empirical formula for a compound is C2H4NO. If its molar mass is 232.2 g/mol, what is the molecular formula of the compound?

Answer 1

Find the empirical formula mass

• 2(12u)+4(1u)+14u+16u
• 58u or 58g/mol

Find n

• Molar mass/Empirical mass
• 232.2/58
• 4.05

Round to nearest whole

• n=4

Molecular formula

• 4(C2H4NO)
• C8H16N4O4

Answer 2

Empirical formula mass

• C2H4NO
• 2(12)+4(1)+14+16
• 30+24+4
• 58g/mol

Molar mass=232.2g/mol

Find n

• Molar mass/Empirical formula mass
• 232.2/58
• 4

Molecular formula

• n×Empirical formula
• 4(C2H4NO)
• C8H16(NO)_4