Percent Composition

priscilla89

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

What is the percentage of carbon in dimethylsulfoxide, C2 H6 SO4?

2. Relevant equations

mass of C / total mass x 100 = percentage of carbon

3. The attempt at a solution

The total mass = 126

total mass of C = 24

Wouldn't it be 24 / 126 x 100 = 19 %

But somehow I got this wrong, it's 30.7 %

Any help will be appreciated, thanks a lot

sjb-2812

Are you sure of your formula for dimethyl sulfoxide?

priscilla89

Yes, but I think somehow it's the formula that's wrong.

sjb-2812

No, if you are happy that the chemical formula you have given is correct, the maths is also correct. However, see e.g. http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?...ldid=399297621 or similar.

priscilla89

But the formula has to be (CH3)2 SO.

24 / 78 x 100 = 30.7 %

- thanks a lot and happy holidays