What would be considered the molecular formula for the compound that has an empirical formula of #CH_4# but a molar mass of 80 g/mol?

1 Answer
MeneerNask
Jan 22, 2017

Empirical formula means the ratio #CdivH=1div4#

Explanation:

If we translate this to atomic mass units, the ratio goes to:
#1xx12div4xx1=12div4#

The sum of the ratios is #16# and this goes into #80# five times.

So the molecular formula would be #C_(1xx5)H_(4xx5)=C_5H_20#

Check : #5xx12+20xx1=80#

Note : This is a non-existing compound, as #5C# atoms can at most hold #12H# atoms (matter of valencies).

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