Calculate the mass of acid to obtain 40 g of methyl formate?

To solve, we compose the equation:
X g -? m = 40 g.
1. НСООН + СН3ОН = НСОО – СН3 + Н2О – esterification, methyl formate was obtained;
2. Calculation:
M (HCOOH) = 46 g / mol;
M (methyl formate) = 60 g / mol.
3. Determine the amount of the product:
Y (methyl formate) = m / M = 40/60 = 0.66 mol;
Y (HCOOH) = 0.66 mol since the amount of substances is equal to 1 mol according to the equation.
4. Find the mass of the original substance:
m (HCOOH) = Y * M = 0.66 * 46 = 30.36 g.
Answer: the mass of formic acid is 30.36 g.