Chapter 7: Problem 53

Determine the molecular formula for a compound with the empirical formula \(\mathrm{CoC}_{4} \mathrm{O}_{4}\) and a molar mass of 341.94 \(\mathrm{g} / \mathrm{mol} .\)

Short Answer

Expert verified

The molecular formula of the compound is \(\mathrm{Co}_{2} \mathrm{C}_{8} \mathrm{O}_{8}\)

Step by step solution

Calculate the molar mass of the empirical formula

Each element in the empirical formula contributes to the total molar mass of the empirical formula as follows: The molar mass of \(\mathrm{Co}\) (Cobalt) is approximately 58.93 g/mol, the molar mass of \(\mathrm{C}\) (Carbon) is approximately 12.01 g/mol and the molar mass of \(\mathrm{O}\) (Oxygen) is approximately 16.00 g/mol. Therefore, the total molar mass of \(\mathrm{CoC}_{4} \mathrm{O}_{4}\) = (1 * 58.93 g/mol) + (4 * 12.01 g/mol) + (4 * 16.00 g/mol) = 58.93 g/mol + 48.04 g/mol + 64.00 g/mol = 170.97 g/mol.

Find the ratio of the molar mass of the compound to the molar mass of the empirical formula

We were given that the molar mass of the compound is 341.94 g/mol. To find the ratio of the molar mass of the compound to the molar mass of the empirical formula, simply divide the molar mass of the compound by the molar mass of the empirical formula. So, Ratio = 341.94 g/mol / 170.97 g/mol = 2 (approximately).

Find the molecular formula

To find the molecular formula, we multiply each subscript in the empirical formula by the value of the ratio we calculated in Step 2. So, the molecular formula of the compound is \(\mathrm{Co}_{2} \mathrm{C}_{8} \mathrm{O}_{8}\).

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Determine the molecular formula for a compound with the empirical formula \(\mathrm{CoC}_{4} \mathrm{O}_{4}\) and a molar mass of 341.94 \(\mathrm{g} / \mathrm{mol} .\)

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Calculate the molar mass of the empirical formula

Find the ratio of the molar mass of the compound to the molar mass of the empirical formula

Find the molecular formula

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