Solve Molecular Formula of Silicon-Fluorine Compound

In summary, the newly discovered gaseous silicon-fluorine compound has a molecular formula of Si2F6 and contains 33.01 mass % silicon. Using the ideal gas law, the number of moles of the compound can be calculated, which leads to the determination of its empirical formula as SiF3. By comparing the molecular weight to the empirical weight, the molecular formula is determined to be Si2F6.
  • #1
babbagee
74
0
Analysis of a newly discovered gaseous silicon-fluorine compound shows that it contains 33.01 mass % silicon. At 27oC 2.60g of the compound exerts a pressure of 1.50 atm in a 0.250-L vessel. What is the molecular formula of the compound?
I guess PV=nRT needs to be used. P,V,R, and T are given, i guess the only thing to sove for is n. That gives me the total moles of silicon fluorine. But i don't know where to go after that.

Thanks
 
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  • #2
First of all find molecular wt of comp

now find empirical formula

n= mol. wt / empirical formula

and hence the formula for compound as [tex](Si_xF_y)_n[/tex]
 
  • #3
Does this look right??

m=RT/PV = ((2.60)(.0821)(300))/((1.50)(.250)) = 170.7
Mol wt=170.7

33.01 %Si -100 = 66.99%F

33.01g Si and 66.99gF

33.01gSi(1mol/28.09gSi)=1.17mol
66.99gF(1mol/19.00gF)=3.52mol
Si1.17F3.52
emp formula = SiF3
Mol wt/emp wt = 170.7/85 = 2
mol formula = Si2F6

Is this correct.
 
  • #4
Yes it is
 

1. What is a molecular formula?

A molecular formula is a representation of the number and type of atoms that make up a molecule. It shows the actual number of each element present in a compound.

2. How do you determine the molecular formula of a compound?

To determine the molecular formula of a compound, the molecular mass of the compound must be calculated using the atomic masses of each element present. The molecular formula is then determined by dividing the molecular mass by the empirical formula mass and multiplying the subscripts in the empirical formula by this number.

3. What is the difference between an empirical formula and a molecular formula?

An empirical formula is the simplest whole number ratio of atoms present in a compound, while a molecular formula shows the exact number and type of atoms present in a molecule.

4. How can you solve for the molecular formula of a silicon-fluorine compound?

To solve for the molecular formula of a silicon-fluorine compound, the molecular mass must be calculated using the atomic mass of silicon and fluorine. Then, the empirical formula mass must be calculated using the empirical formula of the compound. Finally, the molecular formula can be determined by dividing the molecular mass by the empirical formula mass and multiplying the subscripts in the empirical formula by this number.

5. Why is it important to know the molecular formula of a compound?

The molecular formula provides important information about the composition of a compound, which can help in understanding its properties and behaviors. It is also necessary for accurate calculations and experiments in chemistry.

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