How do we determine the molecular formula of a carbonyl species, #C_nH_(2n)O#?

1 Answer
anor277
Jul 16, 2017

Without a molecular weight determination you are a shot bird..........

Explanation:

Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, all the MONOFUNCTIONAL ketones and aldehydes have a formula of #C_nH_(2n)O#. For formaldehyde, #n=1#, but #n# could equal #2,3,4.........#, and generate the same empirical formula.....

TO get the molecular formula, you need a molecular weight determination. Got one?

A useful idea to develop in this context is the so-called [degree of unsaturation.](https://socratic.org/questions/how-can-you-distinguish-among-single-double-and-triple-convalent-bonds?source=search) You have the one degree of unsaturation for this problem.

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