Question

The empirical formula of a compound is determined to be C2H3, and its molecular mass is found to be 54.10 g/mol. Determine the molecular formula of the compound.

Answer 1

The empirical formula of the compound is the formula with the simplest ratio of the elements involved. The molecular formula is the formula that is the empirical formula multiplied by an integer. In this case, the molar mass of C2H3 is equal to 27 g/mol. 54.10/27 is approx. 2, so the molecular formula should be C4H6