What is the chemical formula of C4H9 with a molar mass of 114.26 g/mol?

1 Answer
anor277
Nov 13, 2015

I believe you have quoted an empirical formula. Empirical formulae are distinct from molecular formula.

Explanation:

The empirical formula is the simplest whole number ratio that defines constituent atoms in a species. The molecular formula is always a multiple of the empirical formula; and the mulitple might be #1#.

So #[EF]_n = MF#.

We have to find the multiple #n# for the empirical formula #C_4H_9#.

#(4xx12.011 +9xx1.00794)g*mol^-1xxn=114.26*g*mol^-1#.

Here I used the atomic masses of carbon and hydrogen. It is pretty clear that the mulitple, #n#, #=2#.

So molecular formula #= [EF]_n =2xx(C_4H_9) = C_8H_18#. Do I win 5 pounds?

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