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The empirical formula of a compound is CH₂O - OCR Gateway - GCSE Chemistry - Question 12 - 2023 - Paper 3

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The empirical formula of a compound is CH₂O. The relative formula mass of the compound is 180.0. What is the molecular formula of the compound? Relative atomic ma... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:The empirical formula of a compound is CH₂O - OCR Gateway - GCSE Chemistry - Question 12 - 2023 - Paper 3

Step 1

Calculate the molar mass of the empirical formula CH₂O

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Answer

To find the molar mass of the empirical formula CH₂O, we sum the relative atomic masses of its components:

  • For Carbon (C): 1 × 12.0 = 12.0
  • For Hydrogen (H): 2 × 1.0 = 2.0
  • For Oxygen (O): 1 × 16.0 = 16.0

Thus, the total molar mass is: extMolarMass=12.0+2.0+16.0=30.0extg/mol ext{Molar Mass} = 12.0 + 2.0 + 16.0 = 30.0 ext{ g/mol}

Step 2

Determine the ratio of molecular mass to empirical formula mass

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Answer

Given that the relative formula mass of the compound is 180.0 g/mol, we find the ratio:

extRatio=Molecular MassEmpirical Formula Mass=180.030.0=6 ext{Ratio} = \frac{\text{Molecular Mass}}{\text{Empirical Formula Mass}} = \frac{180.0}{30.0} = 6

Step 3

Find the molecular formula

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Answer

The molecular formula can be obtained by multiplying the subscripts in the empirical formula (CH₂O) by the ratio we found:

  • For Carbon: 1 × 6 = 6
  • For Hydrogen: 2 × 6 = 12
  • For Oxygen: 1 × 6 = 6

Hence, the molecular formula of the compound is C₆H₁₂O₆.

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