Water molecule in chemical formulas of inorganic compounds

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the significance of water molecules in the chemical formulas of inorganic compounds, particularly in relation to their hydrates and the calculation of molar mass. The scope includes theoretical considerations and practical applications in chemistry.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that it is important to remember the number of moles of water in certain inorganic compounds, particularly those commonly encountered as hydrates, like copper sulfate pentahydrate.
  • Others argue that not all compounds require memorization of their hydrate forms, as some can exist in multiple hydrated states, such as calcium chloride, which can be a dihydrate, tetrahydrate, or hexahydrate.
  • It is noted that water must be considered when calculating the molar mass of compounds, as it can affect the total mass calculation.
  • A participant seeks clarification on whether the inclusion of water moles is necessary in molar mass calculations.
  • Another participant confirms that the number of moles of water should indeed be included when calculating the mass of a compound, using copper sulfate pentahydrate as an example.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of memorizing the number of moles of water in various inorganic compounds, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain on this topic.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the dependence on specific definitions of hydrates and the varying importance of memorization based on the context of use in chemistry.

gracy
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In chemical formulas of various inorganic compounds there are molecules of water .I wanted to know is it important to remember the number of moles of water in chemical formulas of inorganic compounds.
 
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Depends. Some compounds - like copper sulfate - are so often used used as hydrates, that remembering their formula is a must (pentahydrate for copper sulfate). Other compounds can exist in many forms (calcium chloride can be prepared as dihydrate, tetrahydrate and hexahydrate) and remembering them all is not necessary.
 
What is certainly important is to remember that there may be water around when calculating the molar mass.
 
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Pretty good point.
 
DrDu said:
What is certainly important is to remember that there may be water around when calculating the molar mass.
You mean to say that we include number of moles of water while calculating molar mass of compounds,right?
 
Yes. Say, you need 1 mole of copper and you have copper sulfate pentahydrate. What mass of the solid do you need?
 

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