Question

The molecular formula mass of this compound is 120 amu . What are the subscripts in the actual molecular formula

Answer 1

`\mathbf{C_4 H_(8)O_(4)}`

Step-by-step explanation:

From the given information:

Assume the molecular formula to be:
`C_a H_(2a) O_(a)`

Then, the molecular mass will be = 12a + 2a + 16a = 30a (since the C = 12, H = 2 & O = 16) respectively.

Thus;

30a = 120

a = 120/30

a = 4

Thus, the molecular formula:

`=C_4 H_(2*4) O_(4)`

`= \mathbf{C_4 H_(8)O_(4)}`