Question

A 0.271g sample of an unknown vapor occupies 294ml at 140C and 874mmHg. The emperical formula of the compound is CH2. How many moles of CO2 would be formed if 3moles of the compound react with oxygen?

Answer 1

Using PV = nRT, we can calculate the moles of the sample.
874 mmHg = 116,524 Pa
n = PV/RT
n = 116,524 x 294 x 10⁻⁶ / 8.314 x (140 + 273)
n = 9.98 x 10⁻³ mol

moles = mass / Mr
Mr = 0.271/9.98 x 10⁻³
Mr = 27.2
Mass of empirical formula = 14
Repeat units = 27.2 / 14 ≈ 2

Formula of substance:
C₂H₄

Combustion equation:
C₂H₄ + 3O₂ → 2CO₂ + 2H₂O

1 mole produces 2 moles of CO₂, so 3 moles will produce 6 moles CO₂