Empirical Formula from Stoichiometry?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the empirical and molecular formulas of adipic acid (CnHmOp) using stoichiometric calculations. A 1.6380g sample of adipic acid combusted to yield 2.960g of CO2 and 1.010g of H2O. The calculations involve converting the masses of CO2 and H2O to moles, followed by determining the moles of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the adipic acid sample. The empirical formula is derived by finding the simplest whole number ratio of these elements.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of stoichiometry and mole conversions
  • Familiarity with combustion reactions and their products
  • Knowledge of empirical and molecular formula calculations
  • Basic chemistry concepts including molar mass and mass-to-mole conversions
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to perform stoichiometric calculations for combustion reactions
  • Study empirical formula determination techniques in organic chemistry
  • Explore the concept of molecular formulas and their relationship to empirical formulas
  • Investigate the properties and applications of adipic acid in synthetic fabric production
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and professionals involved in organic chemistry, particularly those focusing on stoichiometry and empirical formula calculations.

jacksonpeeble
Gold Member
Messages
118
Reaction score
2
Empirical Formula from Stoichiometry!?

Homework Statement


More than 1 billion pounds of adipic acid (MW 146.1 g/mol) is manufactured in the US each year. Most of it is used to make synthetic fabrics. Adipic acid contains only C, H, and O. Combustion of a 1.6380g sample of adipic acid gives 2.960g of CO2 and 1.010 g of H2O. What is the simplest formula for adipic acid? What is its molecular formula?


Homework Equations


(Adipic Acid) + O2 -> CO2 + H2O


The Attempt at a Solution


Convert to .0561 mol H2O
Convert to .0673 mol Co2
Convert to .0112 mol adipic acid using stoichiometry (I understand this part).
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Divide each of the moles by the least amount (adipic acid), then you'll get (roughly) even numbers, which is the empirical formula.
 


Use given masses of water and carbon dioxide to calculate masses of hydrogen and carbon in the sample of adipic acid - you will see the sample weighted more. Missing mass is the oxygen. Then calculate moles of H, C and O (not H2, C and O2) and find their ratio as iRaid suggested.
 

Similar threads

Chemistry Find Empirical Formula of Unknown Substance
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Chemistry Combustion Analysis- Empirical and molecular formula
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Finding Empirical Formula of Propenoic Acid
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
14K
Chemistry Molecular formula of organic compound
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
KJ per hydrocarbon "empirical formula unit"
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Chemistry combustion analysis gas problem
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
What Is the Molecular Formula of an Unknown Compound from Combustion Data?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Stoichiometry Help: Find Empirical Formula & O2 Used
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
7K
How to find empirical formula from combustion equation
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
9K
What is the Empirical Formula of a Chemical Compound Given Combustion Data?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K