Derive the molecular formula of a hydrocarbon, the mass fraction of carbon in which is 92.3%
Derive the molecular formula of a hydrocarbon, the mass fraction of carbon in which is 92.3%, and the density of its vapor in air is 2.69.
Given:
w% (C) = 92.3%
D (air) = 2.69
Find:
Formula -?
Solution:
1) Find the molecular weight of a compound by its density in air:
D (air) = Mr (HC): Mr (air), – since air does not have a certain molecular weight, it is conventionally taken as 29.
Mr (HC) = D (air) * 29 = 2.69 * 29 = 78.
2) Knowing the mass fraction of carbon, we find its molecular weight in the composition and the number of atoms:
78 – 100%
x – 92.3,
then x = 92.3% * 78: 100% = 72.
N (C) = 72: Mr (C) = 72: 12 = 6 atoms.
3) Then the molecular weight of hydrogen in the composition is 78 – 72 = 6.
N (H) = 6: Mr (H) = 6: 1 = 6 atoms.
We got a substance with the formula C6H6 – benzene.
Answer: C6H6 is benzene.