Chemistry How can I find the molecular formula in this problem?

AI Thread Summary
To find the molecular formula of the organic compound "A" containing only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, the combustion data provided indicates the masses of each element produced. The calculations show discrepancies, as the total mass of the elements exceeds the mass of the compound, suggesting an error in the data or calculations. The stoichiometric approach is recommended to establish the relationships between the elements, but concerns are raised about the odd relative molecular mass of 123, which is unusual for such compounds. It is advised to verify the numbers in the problem statement for accuracy. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correct data and methodical calculations in determining the molecular formula.
nineteen
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Homework Statement



In an organic compound "A" only C,H and O is present. 1.22g of A is completely burned and it gives 0.84g of CO2 and 0.54g of H2O. If the relative molecular mass of "A" is 123. Find the molecular formula of A.
[/B]
I have showed my attempt at solving this problem, but I think it is wrong. Please help me out here. After what I have done last, there are only a few more steps to find the empirical formula and then the molecular formula itself, but I think what I have done is wrong. Please try and correct me, I'd appreciate it a lot.

2. Homework Equations

no. of moles = Mass/Molar mass
n of the molecular formula = Molar mass/ Formula mass of the empirical formula

(I guess that those are the only equations)​

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
Mass of C in CO2 produced: (12/44) x 0.84g = 0.22g
Mass of O in CO2 produced: (32/44) x 0.84g = 0.61g

Mass of H in H2O produced: (2/18) x 0.54g = 0.06g
Mass of O in H2O produced : (16/18) x 0.54g = 0.48g

Total masses;
C = 0.22g
O = 1.09g
H = 0.06g

Molar ratios of elements;

C ----> (0.22/12) = 0.01
H ----> (0.06/1) = 0.06
O ----> (1.09/16) = 0.06

Dividing all by the smallest value;

C ----> 0.01/0.01 = 1
H ----> 0.06/0.01 = 6
O ----> 0.06/0.01 = 6
 
Last edited:
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Hi 19,

nineteen said:
Molar ratios of elements
in what ? In A ?
 
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BvU said:
Hi 19,

in what ? In A ?

Yes, the elements C,H and O...
By all means, I don't know whether this approach to the solution is correct or not.
 
It is not. Your elements add up to 1.38 g. There is only 1.22 g of A
 
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BvU said:
It is not. Your elements add up to 1.38 g. There is only 1.22 g of A

Yeah that's what. Can you please help me find the solution to this?
 
Write the stoeciometric equation for the reaction ##C_xO_yH_z + ?? O_2 \rightarrow ?? CO_2 + ?? H_2O##
Three unknowns, so you need to find three equations.
 
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BvU said:
Write the stoeciometric equation for the reaction ##C_xO_yH_z + ?? O_2 \rightarrow ?? CO_2 + ?? H_2O##
Three unknowns, so you need to find three equations.

Isn't there any other method to solve this, except for the stoichiometry method?
 
You'll need it, I'm afraid. Express the ?? in terms of ##x, y ## and ##z##
 
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BvU said:
You'll need it, I'm afraid. Express the ?? in terms of ##x, y ## and ##z##
Thank you very much!
 
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The numbers here make no sense. Apart from anything else, an organic compound containing only C, H and O cannot have an odd RMM. Check that you've copied all the numbers correctly; if you have, I suspect a mistake in the question.
 
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  • #11
mjc123 said:
The numbers here make no sense. Apart from anything else, an organic compound containing only C, H and O cannot have an odd RMM. Check that you've copied all the numbers correctly; if you have, I suspect a mistake in the question.

Ok friend, I'll look into it.
 

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